When workplace romance becomes an insurance concern

More than 9 million households watched the nuptials of this fictional couple, who for months masked their office romance with quick jokes and witty repartee. Their secret, shenanigans and ultimately heartwarming resolution made for memorable TV.

But in real life, office romances can be dicey for both employees and employers. The prospect of coworkers dating is so rife with liability concerns, some companies simply forbid it.

Nonetheless, on-the-job romances are increasing in 2024, according to the workplace consultancy SHRM.

This episode of Insurance Speak features the return of Chris Williams, employment practices liability product manager at Travelers. He shares potential jobsite scenarios in which close interpersonal interactions become a legal and liability minefield. “Outside of a handshake or a fist bump, not touching your coworkers is probably the best practice,” Williams says in this week’s podcast recording.

You can listen to our full discussion above, or subscribe to the Insurance Speak podcast on Spotify, Apple Music or Libsyn.

See also:

• Mitigating mental health-related EPLI claims
• Retaliation claims are on the rise for insurers and employers
• 10 ways to protect against sexual harassment in the workplace