Office romance—it’s a tale as old as time. You spend long hours working closely with colleagues, sharing victories, venting frustrations, and inevitably, personal connections form. But when those connections turn romantic, things can get complicated.
While workplace relationships aren’t illegal in Canada, they do come with risks. Employers have a duty to maintain a professional, harassment-free workplace, which is why many discourage or regulate office relationships. If you’re considering dating a coworker—or already in a workplace romance—understanding the legal and professional implications is crucial.
This article is part of our ultimate guide to Wrongful Termiation in Canada.
Are office romances allowed in Canada?
Legally speaking, yes! There are no laws outright prohibiting workplace relationships as long as they are consensual. However, that doesn’t mean every employer welcomes them. Many companies have policies in place to address inter-office dating, and violating those policies can lead to serious consequences, including termination.
If you’re unsure about your company’s stance, check your Employee Handbook or workplace policies. Some organizations may require you to disclose the relationship, while others may enforce stricter guidelines, especially in cases where one partner holds power over the other.
Power dynamics and consent in workplace dating
Not all office romances are viewed equally. Relationships between employees of equal standing are generally more acceptable than those where a power imbalance exists—such as a manager dating a subordinate.
Under provincial human rights legislation, individuals in positions of authority must avoid making unwelcome advances or abusing their influence. Even if both parties believe the relationship is consensual, there is always a risk that it could be perceived otherwise.
For example, if a supervisor asks their assistant out on a date, the assistant may feel pressured to say yes for fear of career repercussions. This grey area is why many employers prohibit relationships between supervisors and subordinates.
Can you be fired for dating a coworker?
The short answer? Yes. While most employers won’t fire you just for dating a coworker, they can terminate employees without cause as long as it’s not discriminatory.
If an employer has a strict no-dating policy and you violate it, you could face disciplinary action, up to and including termination. This is especially true for senior employees or those in leadership roles who attempt to hide relationships or mislead their employers. If dishonesty, favouritism, or a breach of company policy is involved, the risk of termination increases significantly.
The do’s and don’ts of workplace romance
Do:
- Review company policies: Check your Employee Handbook to understand the rules surrounding office relationships.
- Disclose when required: If your company has a policy that requires disclosure, be upfront and follow protocol.
- Maintain professionalism: Keep interactions professional during work hours and avoid public displays of affection.
- Set boundaries: Ensure personal matters don’t interfere with work productivity.
- Consider the risks: Be aware of the potential impact on your reputation and career progression.
Don’t:
- Date a direct report or supervisor: These relationships carry significant risks and potential legal implications.
- Engage in favouritism: Avoid giving or receiving special treatment due to a relationship.
- Mix business and personal conflicts: Don’t let disagreements from your relationship spill over into the workplace.
- Ignore HR policies: Failing to follow workplace dating rules can lead to disciplinary action.
- Stay silent about harassment: If a workplace romance turns sour and leads to harassment, speak up and report it immediately.
Can employers ban workplace dating entirely?
Technically, yes. Employers have the right to implement policies that prohibit office relationships. However, a strict no-dating rule can be impractical and even counterproductive. Employees may choose to hide relationships, making it difficult for HR to address potential conflicts or concerns.
A more common approach is for employers to restrict relationships that involve a power imbalance or create a conflict of interest. Policies may require employees to disclose relationships and outline acceptable workplace behaviour, such as no favouritism or PDA at work. Some companies extend these rules beyond employees to include vendors, contractors, and suppliers.
Final thoughts: Office romance
Office romance isn’t inherently bad, but it does require careful navigation. If you’ve been fired for dating a coworker or feel your workplace relationship is at risk of causing professional or legal trouble, it’s best to seek legal advice.
At Resolute Legal, our employmeny lawyers help employees understand their rights and fight back against wrongful terminations or unfair workplace policies. If you have concerns about office relationships, workplace harassment, or unfair dismissal, book a free consultation today. Let’s ensure your career and personal life stay on the right track.
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