Office romances are like glitter bombs, fun until you’re cleaning up the mess for years. Take McDonald’s ex-CEO Steve Easterbrook, who turned the boardroom into a Bachelor audition by dating employees, then got caught hiding it in deleted texts. His $40 million severance? Poof. Let’s look at a few high-profile examples and learn some practical survival tips.
1. The McDonald’s CEO who loved Happy Meals
- What happened: Steve Easterbrook dated multiple subordinates, approved suspicious stock grants for a lover, and lied about it. His board eventually clawed back his severance after the truth emerged.
- Why it matters: Even CEOs can’t outrun HR policies.
Survival tips:
- Ban supervisor-subordinate dating: Implement a strict policy that prohibits any romantic relationship between supervisors and their direct reports.
- Monitor promotions: Ensure that promotions and financial rewards are strictly based on merit, and closely review any decisions that could be influenced by personal relationships.
2. The Intel CEO’s steamy exit
- What happened: Brian Krzanich was forced to leave Intel after violating its strict policy of not dating subordinates.
- Why it matters: Power imbalances in any relationship can lead to conflicts of interest and undermine fair business practices.
Survival tips:
- Enforce non-fraternization policies: Enforce a policy that prevents executives and managers from engaging in any relationship with subordinate employees, regardless of reporting structure.
- Scrutinize external relationships: Review relationships with consultants or advisors to ensure they do not create hidden conflicts.
3. The NFL coach who fumbled big time
- What happened: A top NFL coach was suspended for an entire season after a consensual relationship with a staff member turned toxic, eventually resulting in harassment allegations.
- Why it matters: Even consensual relationships can become problematic when power dynamics are involved.
Survival tips:
- Immediate action: Suspend involved parties if complaints arise, and initiate a prompt, impartial investigation.
- Manager training: Regularly train managers to recognize and prevent situations where personal relationships might lead to coercion or favoritism.
4. David Letterman’s “Late Night” drama
- What happened: In 2009, David Letterman admitted to having affairs with junior staffers and attempted to hide them through dubious expense reimbursements.
- Why it matters: No one is too famous for HR rules.
Survival tips:
- Conduct regular audits: Frequently review financial and HR records to detect any irregularities.
- Enforce a universal policy: Establish a clear, comprehensive policy that prohibits relationships across all organizational levels to avoid any potential conflicts.
Remember: Love may be blind, but lawsuits aren’t. If you’re concerned that your current guidelines might leave your business exposed, reach out to us at 973.787.8442 or legaladmin@alixrubinlaw.com. We’re here to help you create robust, compliant policies that protect your business and your employees.
This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not offered as legal advice, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship with any reader. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified employment attorney in your jurisdiction.
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