Ask Timpo: Office affairs

by John Timpson - Thursday, 30th August 2007 -

You can’t allow this situation to carry on, but have a big think before you intervene. Don’t start asking questions until you have decided what you would do if your fears are confi rmed. You are running a business, not a marriage guidance bureau, and management can no longer take the moral high ground it occupied 30 years ago.

It’s the secrecy of this affair that should cause you concern. The juicy gossip might be a lot of fun in the canteen, but it probably isn’t doing your company any good. Once you are clear where all this could lead, ask your director for his side of the story and his long-term intentions.

If there is truth in the rumours, you must question his judgement. If he is willing to allow an offi ce fl irtation to wreck his relationship with his wife and children, you must wonder whether he is a man you can trust.

But sexual indiscretion is not gross misconduct. However much you disapprove of the affair, be careful.

After talking to your colleague, step back and let HR take the flak. You need the help of personnel professionals to make sure you are within the rules and can, if pressed, produce the paperwork. If you are not careful, the director who got the girl from fi nance into bed might get you into an employment tribunal.

John Timpson is chief executive of Timpson. His business books, including the latest, How to Be a Great Big Boss, are available from www.timpson.co.uk