The Office Romance: New Wrinkle Now That Women Have Power

 The lawsuit by former JPMorgan former employee Chirayu Rana alleging sexual harassment by executive director Lorna Hajdini grabbed headlines. That's because it unpacked an emerging dynamic in the old story of the real or alleged office romance and likely negative consequences. That was that the female was the party with the power. 

Influential Law Fuel takes that up. The focus is the law firm. At all levels of power in the practice of law women have become players. New associates will probably be assigned work and evaluated by a woman. She may be a senior associate or a partner.

But the Law Fuel article relies on the long-term Finnish research on the office romance in general. Spoiler alert: When power is unequal, the odds are that this will turn out badly for those with the least power. 

The study showed that initially the subordinate's "fortunes," that is earnings, increased 6%, compared to peers. Then when things started to sour, earnings decreased 18%. The decrease persisted over 4 years. When there was a breakup, 13% of subordinates left the organization. 

As a coach, I have urged caution about all office romances. But when power was unequal, whether they were the boss or the one reporting in, I warned against that. 

Power is so combustible. Even without a romantic component. Recall the power struggle at law firm Paul, Weiss. The New York Times dished the brutal details of how Decider Group member Scott Barshay forced out much-loved chair Brad Karp. 

But, of course, the ambitious are spending more and more time in the workplace. Cupid is bound to be shooting plenty of arrows. Romance seems inevitable. Instead of advocating that it be banned, Law Fuel recommends disclosure requirements. Better yet, have the subordinate reassigned. 

Meanwhile, of course, all kinds of romances at work, even among peers, involve risk of litigation. In addition, when they end, tension can be the new usual. Years ago, when there were more plum jobs available, you simply left the organization. Currently you might not have any good exit options. So think about scenarios before you enter a matter of the heart.

Careers. Forget all that. It’s about earning a good living, no matter what.

Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova, StreetSmart Coaching (janegenova374@gmail.com)


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