I am a manager and have recently become involved with a direct subordinate. My employer did not have a policy preventing such a situation bu...

Question

I am a manager and have recently become involved with a direct subordinate. My employer did not have a policy preventing such a situation but has since created a policy that says a manager and direct report can not have a romantic relationship. They are requesting either I or the subordinate end to leave the department.

Can they legally apply the new policy to us?

Answer

Yes. The reason for requireing the move is for good and legitamate business reasons. These include potential sexual harrassment charges to claims by others of special favorable treatment by you or the subordinate to your subordinate claiming mistreatment if you two break up.

You are lucky they are not asking you to resign to avoid any future law suits.