Personal relationships at work policy template
Use this model personal relationships at work policy to set out rules on the management of personal relationships at work, and what expectations there are for employees.
- 2 pages / 620 words.
- Last updated 31/01/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Personal relationships at work policy
1 Overview
1.1 This policy sets out rules on the management of personal relationships at work, and what expectations there are for employees.
2 Scope
2.1 This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].
3 General principles
3.1 The Company recognises that employees who work together may form personal friendships and, in some cases, close personal relationships. The Company does not, as a general rule, wish to interfere with such personal friendships and relationships. However, it must also ensure that employees continue to behave in an appropriate, professional and responsible manner at work and that they continue to fulfil their job duties both diligently and effectively. These rules are therefore aimed at striking a balance between your right to a private life and the Company's right to protect its business interests.
3.2 The following rules apply to employees embarking on close personal relationships at work, whether the relationship is with a fellow worker, client, customer, supplier or contractor:
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you must not allow your relationship to influence your conduct at work. Intimate behaviour during normal working hours or on Company or client premises is prohibited. This includes holding hands, other close physical contact, discussions of
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Having individuals who are involved in relationships working alongside each can present legal and practical concerns for employers.
For example, the real or perceived risk of a conflict of interest, confidentiality issues and a risk of disruption, or worse, possible legal claims if the relationship were to break down.
Send to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc. and request confirmation that is has been read and understood.
Issue during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Personal relationships at work policy template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
