New Rule: The War on Office Romance | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

[@allyourpie4323]

About 1/3 of workplace romances turn permanent. Those are DAMN EXCELLENT odds. You get to see someone for their daily strengths immediately, and you respect each other for your accomplishments. Isn't that how things are supposed to be?

[@david7384]

I'm impressed by your DAMN EXCELLENT made up statistic 😅

[@user-uy3eq5hg1s]

At this rate we will have to get approval from corporations or angry online mobs before we can even date someone in our private lives. They act like they're trying to "protect" people but what they actually want is to control you.

[@grimtrix]

@@david7384 Oh come on... 97% of all statistics are made up on the spot... 11% of all people know that.

[@allyourpie4323]

@@david7384 It was valid about 6 years ago.

[@auturgicflosculator2183]

@@allyourpie4323 Valid in how many studies with how many participants?

[@amen_ra6926]

The term "unauthorized boning" killed me 🤣🤣🤣😂

[@geekphilosophy4258]

69th like

[@eagle13rodgerthatradar]

wow in wonder if someone in a hospital Emergency Room did this...

[@primetime1169]

Wife and I met at the office and we had to hide it from everyone, felt like we were covering up a damn murder.

[@SDCB754]

Nowadays you basically are lol

[@gramma677]

Looking forward to the Netflix doc about it, you monsters. Hope you feel real good with your family and life and kids. Disgusting. Better to be celibate and marry yourself to the company. The loneliness can be overcome with more work and dedication to the company. Love comes and goes, but a job is forever.

[@marysella3836]

My dad met my stepmom at work (my mom had died 3 years before that) 50 years ago. I met my husband at work and we had to report it. We waited until we were engaged. My supervisor and owner looked at each other and said, “Do we allow that?” shrugged and said, “Congratulations.” That was 22 years ago. Glad it happened back then.

[@Overqualified1]

Met my wife at work 12 years ago on a production line.

[@gramma677]

@@Overqualified1 As a business owner, I think the reason about office romance is simple. If it doesn't work out it can mess with the peace and stability of the workplace. It's not immoral, it's just a pain in the butt. As a husband of the love of my life and partner in business, it's an easy choice which is more important. Bosses need to understand their employees motivations and life goals, and finding love is a part of that. If it's a good love, then the boost in morale and efficiency will reap dividends. If they break up, then sit them down and explain that they leave their personal crap at the door and do their jobs like the professionals they are until they get over it. Which they will eventually. But if you don't sit them down, they can bring problems into the workplace. It's called human management and it's not that tricky if you take time to understand your subordinates. Lesser beta managers have company policies on office romance cause they are too weak and feeble to deal with reality.

[@CypressRacing]

So true...20 years ago I dated someone in my office and was eventually fired. We're still married today with 3 kids.

[@rossmanngroup]

This is true and funny. The best couple I know met working at my company. I can't imagine legislating relationships between consenting adults that work for me. It's not my business.

[@percival23]

Louis, Does your company allow a supervisor to ask a staff member out on a date? If so, if she says no ..how do you convince her that she still be treated equally afterwards? .

[@tylercgarrison]

oh shit didnt expect to see you here. Hi Louis!

[@blahblah2779]

@@percival23 Super easy: Rational, thoughtful, sane adults that work under the same roof tend to talk to each other for a while before trying any type of relationship. What you're describing is a teenager or young adult that hasn't matured emotionally. The fact that you: - Immediately assumed genders here (because you said "she says no" - does that mean women can't be bosses?) - cannot comprehend that normal adults don't ask out a co-worker 5 minutes after meeting them (and the ones that do don't last in any job) shows your level of immaturity and bias. Not Louis'.

[@Ghost_PM11]

Consenting adults should be free to hook up, as long as they have compatible phone chargers.

[@Xemptuous]

And we have the gall to keep calling ourselves "land of the free".

[@gavindoyle8717]

"When your fucking someone at the office, you know they can hold down a job." I just lost it from that phrase. Keep it up, Bill.

[@MikeBarbarossa]

"Promoting someone who doesn't deserve it because they are blowing you" How is that not earning and deserving a promotion???

[@John_Lee_]

You're *

[@anic5805]

Nicely said, Bill. Good reality check on "WHO is being harmed by consensual relationships in the workplace if job performance isn't negatively affected?!"

[@jackalcoyote8777]

The feelings of the progressive morality police. I'm not sure who else.

[@TheEyeball37]

@@jackalcoyote8777 No. It's the company's profits.

[@jackw8338]

"In that time they were kissing each other, they could have filled out another report!" - The company

[@Nick-zu9sn]

I cannot count how many final new rules that I find incredibly insightful and on point. Love ya Bill.

[@matthewmaccaughey5016]

Bill Maher has become the ultimate voice of common sense.

[@peteroswalt4240]

Another example of people trying to find a permanent fix for something where attempting to implement the “fix” leads to unintended consequences worse than actually dealing with it. Well said Bill, always on point and maintaining an enlightened perspective.

[@austintrousdale2397]

Consequence of a “results-driven,” more like results-obsessed, culture: you have solutions sniffing around for “problems.”

[@saljablo2767]

It’s because most relationships end up in shit and now the workplace has a shit environment because someone wanted to get blown by the secretary.

[@magx01]

That's the entirety of government history right there.

[@BKMongo7]

Well said YOU! This seems like it was a really good show, gonna have to watch the full thing

[@rimbusjift7575]

Solutionism.

[@CaneFu]

Years ago I was a manager of a health club and worked it 60 hours per week. I had no time or energy to socialize outside of the club and despite looking at pretty women in workout clothes 12 hours per day I was lonely and starved for sex because the owners had a no dating rule for employees. Finally one of the aerobic instructors took a liking to me and we began a secret affair, trying to keep our romance from the owners who were like bloodhounds stalking us all the time to make sure we weren't boinking each other. After almost a year of this our affair was finally discovered and the girl was fired. I was demoted and I quit as a result and went to work for a competitive club, married my aerobic instructor, and then we proceeded to put the original health club out of business. KARMA

[@dendradwar9464]

Great story .. also shows exactly how dumb society has become .. there are lots of PHDs in the background pushing all of this stuff and most of them have no idea at all ..

[@moscoelucilfer5829]

BASED story! Congrats on finding love! 👏 🧡

[@stephencapps5292]

Bravo, people need to stay out of other people's business.

[@lipanmesh]

Awesome?

[@Luke_Stoltenberg]

KARMA!

[@MrSchattka]

It is such a tragedy that 70% of adults aged 18 to 24 reported feeling lonely.

[@JimH.]

Which is a direct consequence of the "everybody gets a trophy mentality" that plagues current generations. Nothing prepares you for the trials and tribulations of life like "safe spaces" and coddling. 🙄 Now for those inevitable "ok boomer" responses, I'm not making fun of people with actual mental difficulties, but 70% of 18-24 year olds? Come on now. We're raising generations of pussies who can't cope with life and it's showing.

[@whiteyobanion1104]

Because women are making money off of lonely men. See Only Fans.

[@lilbroccoli8358]

@@whiteyobanion1104 god you men are so pathetic take control of your own porn addictions

[@jaimhaas5170]

I can tell you the numbers aren't getting better for any age group. Woke feminsm is killing us.

[@jaimhaas5170]

@@whiteyobanion1104 that is correct. So much money for so little tail.

[@mach5zx10r]

It’s scary when Bill Maher is one of the only reasonable ppl left in media. Thank you for speaking your mind and not caring about getting cancelled.

[@AlerieHightower]

My husband and I met at work 23 years ago, and we're still together. We had to keep it a secret until I got a position in another department, though. That company has long since gone bankrupt and folded, so that should tell you something about what is ultimately more durable and important. Unless there is harassment or abuse, employers should have no purview over who their employees sleep with or date.

[@JimMonsanto]

I literally would not exist if these policies were in place back in the 1970s.

[@missygoldstein12]

Nailed it Bill. I've thought this forever. Once you're out of school your opportunities for meeting new people is drastically reduced. If you didn't meet someone to date or marry then you might have a tough time finding someone in large part because the majority of where most of us spend our time is at work. Meeting someone at work gives you tons of data on this person; they're employed, hirable, accountable to an organization, have money coming in, likely doesn't have a criminal record for violent crime and you have the added benefit of getting to know them gradually in an environment where they can demonstrate a pattern of behavior to you and others that might deem them trustworthy or a reliable mate/partner. You don't feel pressure to sleep with them immediately because you're worried you better do so while the window is still open or they might lose interest. You know you'll see them tomorrow and the next day. You have a chance for this to unfold slowly over time until you're comfortable and confident they are someone you trust. They are also accountable because they have now tied their work to their relationship and if one goes sour the other might too. In other words; they're making an investment and not just texting "you up"? I think it's completely absurd that companies have policies that block people from dating coworkers and God forbid someone higher up dates someone lower than them on the corporate ladder. Who cares???? I think this perfectly captures the stupid arbitrary rules we come up with that are completely against our bet interest. We feel it's vitally important to capture EVERYT?HING (potential for abuse....) that we must create policies that cover every last variable. Is there potential for abuse, exploitation or worse? Of course! But rather than using those examples perhaps a little nuance would come in handy. Handle abuse on a case by case basis rather than punishing and enforcing silly rules on everyone else.

[@Rockownz5150]

Can individual companies really do much without risking lawsuits? You liberalize the rules on dating/what's appropriate in the workplace and the next thing you know Susan is suing the company for $26 million because some guy went too far and touched her waist or a lame IT guy merely made her feel uncomfortable by making a vulgar joke or attempting to give a compliment.

[@edmundlee4087]

This is the best comment.

[@MrBrock314]

@@Rockownz5150 Fairly easy to avoid, make it part of the employee contract that the company waives liability regarding all interpersonal relationships. If gun manufacturers can't get sued for their guns being used in murders/crime/terrorist plots, seems like this should be doable.

[@okst5314]

@ MrBrock314 it’s not that easy with managers and subordinates. Employment law dictates that a manger is a representative of a company. So the company cannot waive its liability in that particular instance. If 2 subordinates have an issue the company is not liable, unless they were made aware of harassment before. With a manger they can be sued even if it is the first instance of harassment. This is why there is a zero tolerance policy when it comes to managers and subordinates.

[@dyingvine]

Employees should also stand up for schedules that are more conducive to having time to meet other people.

[@sagedakotalmft7763]

Totally agree that these ridiculous rules at places of business have gone too far! People have a hard enough time finding love, and yes, there is an epidemic of loneliness. If they find love at work, let them!

[@michaeldunson2531]

Tell that to all the companies who had to pay millions to people who said they were sexually harassed in the work place because people was trying to start up an office romance or the person were in a relationship but didn't get the promotion they wanted or got fired! They do go after the person they were having the affair with they go after the company! This is why these policies are in place!

[@Kinypshun]

Until you're being tortured by the boss's new love interest and she's trying to fire you. These are why the rules are in place.

[@dynamicdave2647]

I agree with u… ppl have a hard enough time finding love

[@jegca]

Wait until your boss is having a relationship with your coworker and then she seems to be getting all the promotions and bonuses while you get extra work piled on you. I bet you’d think about office relationships differently 😂

[@ViFabulous]

I've met many people over the years, men and women, who you wanted to ask, "Exactly WHO do you have pictures of?" They're wholly unqualified, constantly screwing up and yet they're teflon. There are many innocent relationships in offices but one does have to be smart about how they go about persuing the relationship and not be a creep or an ogre.

[@Assenayo]

I had a rule against office romances back on the day, I broke it once. We are now 10 years married with 2 kids and couldn't be happier.

[@katesweeney9101]

My fiance and I met at the office. Same goes for my brother and his wife. Trying to restrict such a thing is futile.

[@engyn0]

"who are we protecting here?!" We're protecting all the people who DIDN'T blow their boss!!

[@theplaylister]

...and the ones who don't want to and don't ever want to deal with that situation

[@thedoctorthemasterandthegu7302]

Then don't blow your boss smh

[@engyn0]

@@thedoctorthemasterandthegu7302 low IQ detected

[@mateoverde8345]

This one is so engaging for me since the only two long term help relationships i have had in my life where with someone i met at work. I know so many people who met and work and have had long marriages... including my grand parents. who were married 80 years. To forbid them at certain work spaces is so insane when you think about..

[@2hard2knock]

I just completed a class on Harassment In The Work Place, which discourages dating, while stressing the importance of avoiding amorous relationships in the workplace due to the conflicts they present, and the distraction to others.

[@TheDarkness1]

Probably taught by the inhuman resources department. Anything that takes you away from 8+ hours a day of slavery, while chained to a desk, is mutiny and must not be allowed by the powers that be who claim themselves as gods. 🙄

[@azeez8399]

Bill Maher is correct to a point, but the flip side to office relationships is if they go sour, then you're stuck at work with an ex-, or you can have favoritism during the relationship that pisses off other people.

[@bruceklein9917]

@@azeez8399 That's why you don't do it. Period.

[@IrishCarney]

And yet the exact same types that relentlessly pushed for this excruciatingly boring, repetitive lecturing ALSO dismissed the arguments of conservatives and combat veterans that introducing gays and women into the military would create distracting and divisive rivalries, favoritism, jealousy, resentment, disgusted rejection with the resulting humiliated demoralization or hatred, etc.

[@funfunfun3624]

Anything to get people to stop fucking huh?

[@danjones6702]

since he's become more middle ground, bills been actually enjoyable to watch.

[@kshahkshah]

Have been saying this for years. Could not possibly agree more

[@carlodave9]

I love when New Rule doesn’t depress me to my core. But then again I’m 22 years married to the woman who was once the “new girl” in the office and was 10 years younger than me. Got in under the wire!

[@DarkestKnightshade]

Very poorly worded, I had to do a triple take to understand what you REALLY meant 🤨😂

[@iamnormal8648]

@@DarkestKnightshade The improbability makes the wording self-explanatory.

[@HelpMeFindTheseSongs]

@@DarkestKnightshade I thought he married a 12-year-old. I had to read it a few times too lol.

[@geekphilosophy4258]

@@DarkestKnightshade That's what happens to a man's brain after 22 years of marriage

[@necrom4454]

Wow had to read again to understand she wasn't 12yo 😂

[@davidgoosen1633]

This is very sensible Bill Maher's being very sensible

[@trudycarter9363]

Bill you the best always the truth we need that so much!

[@SomethingSomethingg]

I think this is why a lot of people don't even bother with relationships or dating because it's ridiculous how you're not even allowed to HUG your lover at work. Or anyone, for that matter. This calling of mine was crying because her grandmother died and the boss high-fived her because it's the only physical conduct he was allowed to give

[@msnewsenior]

Did you ever wonder why that is? Maybe companies don’t want the fallout of an ugly breakup. Also you shouldn’t be showing pda at work anyway grow up and act professional

[@k.ferguson2982]

And you think that applies to the above situation? Such empathy. 🫣

[@SomethingSomethingg]

@@msnewsenior Jesus Christ. Someone's grandmother dies and it's unprofessional to console them by offering a hug while they're sobbing? Piss off.

[@SomethingSomethingg]

@@msnewsenior Besides sometimes a hug or quick kiss is the perfect morale boost on a particularly stressful day. What are you, a Muslim?

[@ixlnxs]

@@SomethingSomethingg As a Eurabian I must say the situation reeks of !s!amification, yes. In America it's usually due to that other cult but then they are just two sides of the same knife. Religion ruins everything.

[@Zzyzzyzzs]

Have always said this. I work in scientific research. We regularly pull more hours than we get paid for (60-70 per week is not unusual) and most of us are socially stunted as a result. Work is pretty much the only place most of us will meet anybody for friendships or more. And when you're in an environment where people are almost always smart, passionate and intellectual (traits that are generally highly desirable), the chances that you'd meet someone highly attractive to you is incredibly high, likely higher than anywhere else. Plus many of us are internationals who're likely only in the country for 3-4 years to do a PhD or other short-term position. Almost everyone I know in a relationship either met their partner at work or thru online dating, because the ability to just go out and meet other people is almost totally non-existent. That doesn't mean we're not sociable people or our dynamic has somehow broken down; we just work with the hand we're dealt (though obviously, if we had the ability to greatly reform our work/life balances we'd take that too!). Fortunately we don't have a culture where we have to declare our relationships to HR or anything. I can understand why we probably should in some cases, but I am thankful that we don't. It's idiotic to think that anyone, least of all a workplace, can decide whether or not you can like or love somebody else. Yes by all means have strong rules against actual inappropriate behaviour, but don't extend that to policing non-abusive, consensual, organically-developed relationships.

[@yousefjoseph5202]

Can relate to this. Hard to imagine myself pursuing someone outside my grad school. Just the fact you see each other every day and working towards the same goal makes it all that much easier.

[@taylorc2542]

The funny thing is that they always talk about a power imbalance, as if a hot 25 year old doesn't have emorous power in banging men 3x her income.

[@msriram9884]

You’re right, for most people the most non-family intense relationships they have are with people at work. This is where they spend 8 to 10 hours every day. It also seems like a much safer path, then meeting some random stranger over the Internet.

[@auturgicflosculator2183]

It also doesn't help that the entirety of western culture is plagued by intergenerational trauma. Probably.

[@Robert_Westwood]

I work as a accounting manager in a casino, which can have oversight and impact over a number of areas, even cocktail servers. So the only people with whom I could expect to meet and mingle without causing an incident would be housekeeping and the kitchen, two areas in which I'm never because I have no need to be there...

[@Riclmnopp]

This is Bills subtle way of saying he wants to hook up with his secretary and that he shouldn't get fired for it.

[@DorvellTStewart]

Well, if his secretary is a 100% willing participant, what’s the issue? And before anyone comes at me, think about the example he gave regarding Michelle Robinson and her now husband, Barack Obama.

[@jaysonpida5379]

ST*U

[@rovospire]

@@DorvellTStewart I agree, I don't get why we stigmatize guys banging their secretaries. I mean, yeah hiring them cause want to pursue a relationship isn't exactly the most godly thing to do, but these people act like these women have to have sex with any man who has power over them. Its why I love and hate HR, cause it should be there, so women who aren't interested can say no without repercussions. But I hate that its there to destroy guys lives over consensual relationships.

[@BridgeTROLL777]

Yep and thats okay! Here in europe we have labor laws that prevent companies from dictating our personal life. If CEO fucks a secretary he literally cannot be fired for it. Its a personal issue.

[@BridgeTROLL777]

@@rovospire because you guys in the states have a very perverse relationship with sex in general...

[@futurereflections4097]

We love you, Bill. Come to the right side. You know what’s up.

[@futurereflections4097]

You wish god would speak to you clearly, I get it. I do too. I like your anti religion show btw. Because we can all tell you’re a good guy who says what he thinks.

[@futurereflections4097]

And smart and funny as heck. I don’t mean to patronize you, I’m a real fan.

[@futurereflections4097]

Upvote so bill sees this

[@wesburbstally7391]

Bill, corporations are only looking out for themselves. Can’t blame corporations, for not taking the chance on getting sued. You said it’s consensual consensual, still if it the relationship goes bad, she can sue the company.

[@forman208]

The one thing Maher didn't mention about the Celtics coach is that he was sleeping with the wife of a Celtics executive, which regardless of how you feel on this issue, is 100% inappropriate. That's the kind of interoffice relationship that should always be met with disciplinary measures.

[@javakidnyc1]

Can you point to the confirmed reporting of who the woman was in the Udoka relationship? That has not been made public to the best of my knowledge.

[@stereoroid]

No, a business is not some kind of “moral guardian” that gets to dictate on questions of “right & wrong” for others.

[@patrickdoyle9304]

No it’s not. Who are you to judge?

[@hydraulics]

who knows... people grow and change and the best prospects are rarely single.. even the single ones aren't usually really single

[@TheBrothergreen]

Can you please be more specific about why you think that "having an affair with the wife of a Celtics executive" is "100% inappropriate?" Is it because the woman in question is the property of the unnamed executive? Would this be the same logic that would argue that taking the executives car for a joy ride without his permission is "100% inappropriate?" Or am I missing something?

[@kateuhler7803]

Definitely a loneliness epidemic out there. P.s. - I never said I was lonely. If you are so damaged that you feel the need the berrate me over this comment, have at it, but know it has ZERO AFFECT and means NOTHING, and is based on an assumption, not my actual statement. And also, it shows your inhumane cruelty and lack of empathy toward other human beings.

[@aztronomy7457]

@CK George1989 ok bro

[@warofnoise5394]

and it's clearly being exacerbated deliberately by the powers that be. easier to make a bunch of workplace drones that way. long term planning, ya know?

[@lindaleelaw5277]

Which is a Choice. Being lonely aka entertain me Life happens. Adjust GeeE, oh wah my parents didn't teach me to say hello, how are you wahhh watch I can't wahh Grow up, clean up and realize you're lonely because it's not about you. But then I'm a life single, Boomer, femme, and while I have moments, I am hardly lonely. Alone sure. But then I don't wallow. If you do , get therapy you've needed anyway

[@dutube99]

@@lindaleelaw5277 kinda angry though huh

[@Madbandit77]

@CK George1989 You still need human interaction, sweetheart.

[@timmeyer9191]

I think the biggest worry companies have is if one of the two parties involved later says they felt pressured to engage in the sexual relationship and sues the company. A criminal case requires hard evidence, but a civil case is more lenient with evidence. All the plaintiff would need to do is present one text or one witness that shows the plaintiff had a moment where he/she was second guessing the workplace relationship. As long as there is a possibility that the company itself can be sued by someone from a workplace romance, the companies are going to discourage those relationships as much as possible. If the company was protected from lawsuits, they may be more relaxed to them. If they can tell the couple in the relationship, "If the relationship or breakup becomes a problem, you will both get fired." These things might make companies more accepting of office romances. However, until then, the cimpanies need to take a hard stance in discouraging them. When I was working a retail job, my boss explained it simply as "Don't f@#% with the payroll."

[@matthewasher9819]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5mcemhsf5iZarM

[@fredricluckett1994]

Father’s advice “keep your pecker out of the payroll son”!

[@brettbeyer73]

My wife and I met at work, and 23 years later it still seems to be working.

[@SylentEcho]

THANK YOU for this series, Bill Maher. We badly need someone famous keeping it real!

[@cachi-7878]

Yep, agreed, this is totally ridiculous. Corporations rule our lives, literally. When are you supposed to fornicate when your employer asks you to work 12h days and weekends to boot?

[@christinagurchinoff1517]

Idk some how people always make time for fornicating!

[@christopherweber9464]

@@christinagurchinoff1517 #priorities

[@500ccRabbit]

Corporations have somehow become teachers over grown adults. It's so weird.

[@rovospire]

Bruh, the internet is like a freaking kindergarten now. All social media are ran by loonies, blocking and banning people over opinions they don't like.

[@denysarcuri1213]

We met on the job. We had the same title, working for an elected official as chief staff members. She had slight seniority over me in the position. We asked the boss if we could start "seeing" each other (a common but curious expression since we clearly were seeing each other every day) and he was surprised but said OK. We then began seeing each other in public, with minor PDAs. It came time for a raise, and I told the Boss I'm worth a 20 percent (as opposed to a normal 10 percent raise) and he told me he could do that because it would mean I would make more than her. I said I had a solution: give her a pay raise to keep her somewhat higher than me. He said OK. Now, it's 25 years later, and we've been happily married for 24 years. The workplace is the best place to meet a quality person, I think.

[@jamess.2491]

Thank you for actually having a reasonable take on this. My parents met at work when my dad was her boss and they've been married for 30 years. My last girlfriend I met at work (although she was a peer) and it seems everyone is trying to frown on that these days. I'm someone who tends to work a lot so when you're in the similar situation with other people things tend to happen. Obviously not defending any people abusing their power over women tho, before some dumbass comes at me for that.

[@joycevarley4364]

Haha, thanks for giving me a very big laugh, re your last statement!!

[@lisawalter2311]

Unauthorized boning! 😂😂😂 That’s the funniest phrase I’ve ever heard.

[@mysteriousu5528]

This segment reminded me of the great theoretical physicist struggling to find a partner, after his wife died and as a young faculty in the Dept. Of Physics at Cornell Univ. before he moved to Caltech for the rest of his life. Bravo to Bill for always bringing some touchy subjects to everyone's attention when other late night guys fail to do. This segment has pros and cons. The problem comes and it can get worse when two adults aren't mature enough to let go if things don't work(assuming that romance and relationships are allowed between co workers) and turning the work place into a circus. Bill, You may want to read or listen to Gott's longitudinal study on married couples and they came with stunning statistics on married couples being happy and also the divorced ones and which couples are heading for divorce. I do agree with your overall message that working people should have the freedom to choose their partner even in the same working place without a third person(no matter who that person) telling them what they should or not about their private life.

[@polycrase]

Work romances are great until the inevitable bad breakup. Everyone finds out, it's like a soap opera at your job. Then you both have to see each other all the time because guess what?...you both make your living at the same place.

[@xbabu142x]

I'm with Bill on this one, as long as its not coercive or making my brand look bad, my employees are adults and I have no business putting myself in their personal lives. It's honestly literally counter to profits to do that rather than just pay for the work you want done, and then spend the time you freed on expansion.

[@mr.skinskull3148]

The people hooking up in the office often have spouses. The policy of no office hookups helps keep work place revenge shootings to a minimum.

[@wildrice8199]

Thank you Bill. I will *never* understand how people are quiet quitting, demanding higher wages, forming unions, and yet when it comes to their love life are happy to sign it away to whatever corporation they're working for! It's mind-boggling how people put their job over their own personal happiness and fulfillment. I would never in a million years let my boss tell me who I can and can't date.

[@RAIRADIO]

Your boss wont. HR will.

[@LlyleHunter]

@Wild Rice. I think that it’s intertwined. I believe that people are quiet quitting for the same reason that they were reluctant to returning to work at their places of businesses. That being because the environments have become stifling and overbearing.

[@godmode3359]

And yet, people seem just fine with letting employers control everything else in your lives. You will tell them your vaccination status, let them control which Dr.s you are allowed to see, how many hours each day you spend with your children, how many days you are allowed to be sick, your ability to smoke or drink or be overweight outside of work, what you post on social media, your contacts list, your credit score, your unpaid debts, on and on and yet you really wonder why people don't draw the line at dating?!?!? Mkay.

[@moresnacksplease526]

@CK George1989 Toss in the move to remote work, and we should start seeing the freeways clearing up in about 16 years.

[@boutchie06]

@@godmode3359 corporate slavery. Nobody seems to notice, nobody seems to care, the reason education will never get any better.

[@Chris-qy3dp]

The rules against dating in the workplace have nothing to do with protecting the people engaging in the office romance. The rules are there to protect the company from lawsuits if the couple breaks up and things go bad.

[@sg639]

Agreed, though I would have said that the rules support whatever will enhance productivity.

[@natakireturns6519]

Bingo.

[@willhiggins9563]

This was more nuanced then I expected. Honestly surprised how many long lasting relationships started in the office. Even before MeToo office Romances did not enjoy the best reputation.

[@christinagurchinoff1517]

Maybe its that when people "choose" to do it, they are handling it responsibly and keep it out of the workplace?

[@Oblithian]

The rules came in place because of the personal drama that often gets dragged to work (or nepotism). But until that happens you really have no justification to punish them on something that 'might' happen.

[@JavierCR25]

Amen Bill!

[@simonmaduxx6777]

That was just bloody fantastic. Bill is once again on a rampage, held there's a lot of material for him to shred. I hope my appreciation of this video is consensual and this video feels the same way LOL

[@Jeremy-yp8eh]

It's insane how simply talking to people in public is considered "harassment" by activist types

[@ImFrelled]

Yeah, and the real problem with that is, you don't know if the woman you're approaching is one of those activist types. That can cause more failure to launch an attempt now a days than any old fashioned fear of rejection.

[@robomop9711]

You have to be bold, have some balls, and make the first move, but don’t be pushy or too aggressive. Have fun walking that tight rope.

[@warofnoise5394]

TBH the overall ideology and how it's becoming increasingly fundamentalist leads me to believe that people simply acknowledging others in public in any capacity is going to be an "act of violence." their aim, ultimately, is to build a world where there is literally 0 possibility of people being able to form any kind of community, let alone resist any for of oppression in any way. their weapon is fear, and their goal is to make everyone terrified of each other.

[@FreebirthBoccara]

"just talking" has never being labeled as harrasment. being a creep and hitting on people in the offi e when they obviously dont want anytbing to do with you, making stupid "jokes", and overall making everyone uncomfortable IS harrasment.

[@user-uy3eq5hg1s]

@@FreebirthBoccara having a consensual relationship with a coworker or employee is NOT harassment.

[@CodeGrayHere]

Dating someone I work with is a mistake I haven't made since I was a teenager.

[@lewisjones3345]

I need to know how meeting someone at work is somehow worse than picking pictures on your phone of people like you’re buying something from Amazon.

[@lloydkeith3061]

it's not in my opinion. it is however a good way to find yourself unemployed.

[@mediocreman6323]

Hello people from the U.S.A., in Austria (as in many other countries), companies _cannot_ tell you whom to date and whom not to, because it is their personal freedom, and nothing a company must interfere with. You know, human rights and such things. Freedom.

[@lunalinda9906]

I met my husband at work 20 years ago I thank God everyday for that 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@westking2190]

This was absolutely hilarious and made my day! I needed this thank you! You are right on spot on! I have thought this often! The office is where you meet people as an adult. I also love the few voices in the audience that laugh hysterically, it is just as funny hearing the audience reactions.

[@transformwithlev]

I’m an attorney who is engaged to the love of my life (and my legal assistant). As an attorney I knew what I was risking when we started dating, but it’s ridiculous that it had to be such a risk in the first place. Things have gotten way out of balance.

[@steeltrap3800]

Yes, and I'm sure lawyers had nothing to do with things going that way. Ironic, LOL.

[@awake3607]

A person who started dating his assistant is complaining that things are getting way out of hand. I wonder how this will end in 10 to 20 years (with an affair with your new assistant).

[@jaimhaas5170]

Lawyers in love??? Sounds quite doomed to fail.

[@gevansmd1]

If you brerak one rule it's that much easier to break others, specially if you got away with the first one.

[@edithputhy4948]

I don't think employers should be allowed to ban dating but boning your own assistant is such a cliché and just acting in bad taste.

[@walkingmountain22]

The problem is not when the relationship is going good. It is when it goes bad and divides the staff into sides in the conflict.

[@CrextComic]

The problem is when the population no longer are able to procreate.

[@jdghegan]

So divorce?

[@cliffordfernandez3524]

@@CrextComic they’re working on that by castrating ur children n calling it compassion and inclusive 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 That agenda right there in the schools

[@Geno5]

I met, dated, married and divorced my two wife’s from work. People should be able to be miserable at both home and work

[@michaeldunson2531]

Sorry Bill you are wrong on this one! These policies are in place because of all the lawsuits and money companies have had to pay out when the relationship goes bad and one of the individual say they felt pressured into the relationship or when trying to strike up an romance and the other person don't like you then claim sexual harassment! They don't go after the individual they go after the company! Even if no lawsuit was filed it can also cause problem in the workplace! I had this one female that worked under me and she was sleeping with my boss so she thought she didn't have to listen or could do whatever she wanted because she was sleeping with my boss! She would be late for work, didn't do her work to standard and took longer breaks then the allowed time so when I tried to reprimand her she went to my boss and complained and he would take her side! So this caused a big problem because how could I reprimand the other workers for being late, taking to long of a break and not doing their job to standard when I had to let her get away with it! So I had to go to my boss, boss so that messed up my good relationship with my boss so I got another job in another company because the workplace had became to toxic because of an office romance!

[@paulinegallagher7821]

Ok, you need to lay off the !!!!!, also, I seriously doubt that is a common occurrence among reasonable adults. Youre going by your own experience based on two people in your workplace. A bit biased there.

[@michaeldunson2531]

@@paulinegallagher7821 Like I said if you want to risk your job in order to have a relation ship in the work place then go ahead and roll the dice! Also it not just my experience in has happen to many of people why do you think the Me To movement came from!

[@paulinegallagher7821]

@@michaeldunson2531 well unfortunately i work with mostly women so any relationships would involve me switching teams which isnt gong to happen

[@michaeldunson2531]

@@paulinegallagher7821 you want have to if you and the rest of the people keep it professional? Most office romances don't end with problems but the few that do can cost the individuals and the company dearly so for me it wouldn't be worth the risk but I know most people don't care until it happen to them then they want to play the victim!

[@martman123456]

I'm an attorney, and the workplace rules are there because without them, sexual harassment claims that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for the employer to defend will happen. The couple might break up on bad terms . . . lawsuit. A manager gives his girlfriend a good review and a bad review to her co-worker . . . lawsuit. Also workplace relationships still happen. The reason you report them to the company is to ensure that the company can modify its behavior, not to let the company meddle in your relationship.

[@brianmiller1077]

You're absolutely right, HR is there to protect the company, not help workers. Unfortunately. It's a shame this zero tolerance stuff exists, common sense is lacking.

[@sullen2420]

@@brianmiller1077 Common sense is doing your job and NOT groping your co-workers. Are you insane?

[@brianmiller1077]

@@sullen2420 Common Sense is two consenting adult peers at a place that they spend more time than they do at home getting to know each other better outside of office hours. Yes if there a power difference it's not a peer relationship. Two actors falling in love on a set happens all the time. Not a great track record all the time, that is true. I'm talking Paul Newman/Joanne Berstein not Harvey Weinstein here. Zero tolerance sucks.

[@CubeduBorg]

Translation: As an attorney, I know this because attorneys created this s-show and we make our living from it. Neener neener neener.

[@TheJadedJames]

@@brianmiller1077 If I ask a random girl out a bar, we are on an equal playing field and she can either give me her number, or choose to never see me again. We are in a social setting where this is expected and appropriate. If I ask a co-worker out, that's opening yourself up to a harassment charge right on its face. What if she just wants to continue doing her job as normal and paying bills, and now I've made it weird? What if she's cute and 10 other guys have done this? And that is just the beginning of the various problems this behavior can cause. There is a reason why we are told not to do this stuff.

[@dereka5017]

I’m all for allowing office romance, but there’s a reason businesses have those policies: because often they are left holding the bag when things go south.

[@shmookins]

I don't see that is the issue as most people are adults and can continue to act like adults when a relationship fails. The worry of companies for doing this is harassments lawsuits. Those can be very damaging to many businesses- especially smaller ones. If I were a company, I'd give the obvious warning of 'no harassments' and 'no acting like a child if it doesn't work out'. Basically; be a professional at work and don't be a creep. Then deal with each issue as it comes because most people are sane adults.

[@RamSamudrala]

@@shmookins I disagree, most people aren't sane. Most people are petty and when things go wrong with emotion involved, it is worse. Even prior, it creates a lot of drama. I do support equal level relationships esp. at low levels but not when there is a power differential.

[@dereka5017]

​@@shmookins I would actually argue slightly differently. Most people are sane adults...until heightened emotions get in the mix. Two people who have got together and had a falling out, still being able to work together and fulfill their duties, is the exception, not the norm. Often they no longer work well together. One or both may even request of management NOT to work together, thereby placing artificial limits on their usefulness. As you mentioned, it also opens the door to legal hassles, particularly if one party is hounding the other. Sometimes one or both leave the company voluntarily, or act in such a manner that the business has no choice but to let them go. I've seen three office romances at my place of business, which coincidentally does NOT have a no-romance policy, and all three ended poorly. One resulted in an employee voluntarily leaving the company to get away from the other employee, not that that employee was really chasing him at that point. One resulted in a write-up and a de facto requirement to keep them working in separate departments. And the final one resulted in a very unprofessional incident where we ended up firing the offending party. These incidents are from a period of 15 years, but at a small business that's still a lot of BS.

[@9395gb]

As someone who works directly on workplace matters I can tell you this isn't true. Even the most professional and logical human being can turn completely irrational and petty when attraction, interest, sex and love are involved. I've seen it at the lowest levels and at the highest levels.

[@carlmartin8723]

and let's not forget the possibility of lawsuits

[@pandemonic66]

Its the breakup that can get ugly at the workplace, its not the successful relationships. Bill is only looking at this in 1 direction.

[@dougrebertus1992]

"...or promoting someone who doesn't deserve it because they're blowing it." Is it wrong that when I hear this an unqualified politician comes to mind?

[@Foof0811]

10 years ago my wife and I met and started dating at a job where relationships were not allowed. Thankfully we had a lot on our side - being extremely professional at work to the point that most had no clue - deep relationships with all upper management - very high performance metrics and outcomes - clear added benefits to the business as we would both often work for free to support the other We existed as a known exception to the rule. Today we have a family, kids, home etc. Work is probably one of the best possible ways to find a partner for life. If you can work with someone, tolerate and collaborate with them under pressure for hours a day, and be attracted to them - you're probably going to be solid for the long haul. It's the perfect test bed :p It's a shame to think about how many potential perfect families are lost to senseless workplace relationship rules

[@mariebussinger6565]

You did it smart, it's mature and spicy to be discreet.

[@ZlatnoPeroTV]

plus you save tons of money on gas cause you can travel to work together.

[@mariebussinger6565]

@@ZlatnoPeroTV and men save on frivolous dates, going nowhere, getting to know someone who is looking for freebies.

[@rustyoak8860]

you forgot the flip side and how many families are ruined due to workplace relationships. You did it right, I bet many more have at least one of the two participants married and end up divorcing their spouse to continue the office romance.

[@Foof0811]

@@rustyoak8860 oh man, I hope it's not the case that "many more" workplace relationships are affairs vs organic starts. I'm sure there's not published data, but I'd be very sad to learn that if it was true.

[@malako777A]

the problem is to work under pressure for 12-16 hours per day including weekend work... that is where the depression and loneliness start. not because i can't date the secretary.

[@hydraulics]

I love working long hours. I love what I do.

[@dariog36th]

Some people's only social life is at work or the office. They don't go to bars or clubs so the only people they may have a shot at and get to know better are at work. It's unfair that they have to risk losing their job to find true love.

[@mosesking2923]

Sounds like their problem. If you’re too wimpy to have social life outside of work, you deserve to be alone and unloved. Grow a spine.

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

@@mosesking2923 You sound like a child. Most adults are too busy to spend much time anywhere outside of work or home.

[@BishopWalters12]

@@mosesking2923 Agreed, people need to turn off Netflix on the weekends and go places if they want to meet people.

[@ryankramer]

@@mosesking2923 Grow a spine? That makes no sense. It’s less about being an extrovert and more about how much time and energy there is in a day.

[@Ch17638]

@@mosesking2923 grow a brain man-child not everyone has the same life or face the same challenges.

[@billreynolds5077]

I’m a conservative but I still watch this guy because he makes a lot of great points, he’s funny, and he keeps it civil

[@tomanderson9373]

I truly enjoy Middle of the Road points of view as opposed to Left or Right. Thanks Bill.

[@WilliamGreer]

I worked at an office where I met a girl I started secretly dating. Our mutual friends also started dating each other. My mother worked there, and there was a "no family" policy. Every day felt like Mission Impossible.

[@mariebussinger6565]

Fun!

[@k.ferguson2982]

"Passion Is Possible!" 👍

[@worldmusicnashvillepodcast8280]

Missionary Impossible

[@k.ferguson2982]

@@worldmusicnashvillepodcast8280 Good one! (I started off the likes) 👍

[@TomSuntotheMax]

In my office we had problems with promotions that were not really due. I can see both sides on this one. I certainly don't think anyone should be fired for a relationship - as long as favoritism is never an issue.

[@TheJadedJames]

I’m like, if the love of your life really does happen to work in the same office as you, I don’t want to stop you. But office romances can dramatically complicate workplaces (and personally, depending on the job, hitting on a coworker can be a catastrophically unprofessional act) so I get why there are policies against them. The “power imbalance” is a real thing. If Bob has a crush on Cindy, but he’s also Cindy’s boss … that puts them all in a compromised situation even if nobody technically does anything wrong. So it isn’t totally ridiculous that someone wrote a rule saying that Bob isn’t allowed to ask Cindy out

[@ryancappo]

Breakups are the other issue that can be a problem. HR is just taking the easy way out on this issue though. There could be guidelines and potential consequences if relationship problems disrupt the workplace. Promotions would have to be decided by others too.

[@hibernopithecus7500]

I agree. Permission shouldn’t be required but the relationship should be declared. If it could lead to a potential conflict, of interest or any other kind, then the company has a right to know. They just don’t have a right to demand it end.

[@goblue193]

I had someone at work who quit then was rehired into a higher position because they got a recommendation from someone they were dating at the office

[@thealternative9580]

@@TheJadedJames But what if Cindy like Bob too or even more?

[@caelidhg6261]

I agree. All your points. Totally . On. Point. It is frustrating to even just find FRIENDS anymore. All my friends moved away so I can't just "get a coffee with them". They rarely reach out on social media or even call anymore. NO ONE calls anymore. Can you do another bit on how hard it is to establish new social connections and friendships (especially after 50). I live out in a rural area (cause we were planning on going off grid ) and I have a 68 mile RT commute. daily... no time to socialize. I am getting ready to try bingo up at the Local Catholic church up the road I am so desperate.!

[@ginalombardo7322]

I agree with you, unfortunately.

[@DDoubleDrew]

"Power Imbalance" is basically just slang for "when a man is in charge". "Horrible Bosses" anyone...

[@FoodNerds]

So true!

[@Bamm139]

Having had a couple of office romances in my single days, I don't see many mentions of an obvious problem, which is consensual office affairs between married co-workers. The office and other workplaces are a great place to meet eligible potential partners. It is also where married people find opportunity for adulterous behavior.

[@BishopWalters12]

I understand Bill's point but employers and corporations have to protect themselves because too many people can't handle breaks ups and they stop acting like adults even in the workplace. There're certain careers that people shouldn't be in the same place, I don't think a college professor should have a BF or GF in their class or cops shouldn't gave a BF or GF as a partner.

[@nobodycares7201]

You're a corporate shill

[@Mfruhlin]

His point is valid. However, any corporate relationship (including even friendships) has potential to impact fairness in managing career paths within a given company. I don't know what the right answer is, but candidly, I think it's appropriate to be careful about romantic relationships in the workplace...also because they have a way of ending.

[@fexcab]

i think we just found out that bill has been and always will be a romantic💚

[@peternighswander9629]

My first job out of college was at a major technology consulting firm and there was rampant intra-office dating and in some cases, seniors dating subordinates (in some cases, direct reports). It was handled discreetly but there was no conflict- it just worked and no one complained. This was in the early 90s and we were a lot better for it

[@kirksaintpatrick3921]

A lot has gone to hell since the early 90s my friend.... of improvement too, but generally much worse.

[@popireal3628]

I was just a kid in the 90s but even from my recollection- and adult vibes then- pretty much everything was more down-to-earth.

[@kirksaintpatrick3921]

@@popireal3628 yea it was. It was much better than the current shit show.

[@zubairrazzaq6271]

Bill Maher brings jokes to the table whether it's from the White House or throughout the world Amazing World by Bill

[@carolyn2249]

I’ve been proud and happy to attend the weddings of several of my employees who met on the job. They’re adults and professionals, and as long as it doesn’t interfere with work, who they date is none of my damn business! 😂🥰

[@msnewsenior]

The as long as it doesn’t interfere with work is exactly the reason why companies don’t want office relationships. They’re not interested in managing the mess of a potentially soured relationship

[@utdfortreble]

Yeah well fuck companies then. What is next, Company mandates that you can not go skiing because you might get injured?

[@Mercutiossword]

Thank you

[@ccburro1]

Given that people spend more (awake) time at work than anywhere else, it is a prime/natural place for meeting others. It has the advantage of it NOT being a "social" situation (e.g., like a bar, a party) such that people can get to know one another gradually and without the negatives of bars, parties (social pressures, alcohol, "small talk").

[@welshbluemeanie]

It's insane. I've dated co-workers and my wife works in the same place I do now. I loved how Brooklyn 99, which I loved till the last season, tried to jump on the #metoo bandwagon by having Amy relate the terrible story of how her boss once tried to kiss her when she went out to dinner with him. I mean, she was relating this to her husband who she met at work and who she first made out with in the evidence locker but that's TOTALLY different

[@SDCB754]

As long as you're no longer dating other women at the workplace after your marriage, that's fine lol

[@alphajava761]

Part of the problem with a superior having a relationship with a subordinate is the boss showing favoritism to who they are dating, I've seen that cause problems every time. It's not about them dating, it's about the disruption to the work environment. So it's not that they are dating, it's awkward for everyone but the two who are dating. And I've seen the ups and downs in those relationships brought into the office causing stress for those of us who are there to work not play pussy foots. And if that couple breaks up and they remain in the same environment, well then that extra sucks for the rest of the staff. That's why it's inappropriate. I've seen colleagues date on projects and it's always awkward because their relationship is then part of the environment on some level. Personally, I've never seen it as a positive any time it's happened. And I worked for Fortune 100 companies on campuses with thousands of people for 25 years and travelled a lot with teams of people. So I've seen it many times. I dated someone at work when I was 29 and never did it again after that, the breakup was so hard for her she brought all of my things from her place and piled them on my desk at work among other unhinged behavior. Ugh.

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

Exactly. This why workplace relationshops are restricted or banned or require full disclosure to HR in many companies. Not because Corporate hates you and wants you to be alone, but because workplace relationships can cause drama and disruption not only for the couple, but for the rest of the team. Especially when they break up, as most couples do.

[@christinagurchinoff1517]

Omg She brought your stuff to work!? That's awful! Ugh.

[@alphajava761]

@@christinagurchinoff1517 we dated for 2 years so it was a lot of stuff 🤣

[@LionFisile]

This is a message for all to hear.

[@richardramfire3971]

Bill has nailed it once again. Whets the problem with meeting someone at work

[@MikeBarbarossa]

Bill glad you're in agreement to ' my body my choice' and 'doing what you want with your body without corporate involved" Didn't know your position on company vaccine mandates ( including gov) but I guess I do now

[@TheIdentifierForYoutube]

I think he has spoken several times, last one a few weeks ago IIRC, about how the science is constantly discovering new things that contradict previous assumptions, particularly about Covid, and that authorities don’t have a monopoly on truth, so vaccinations shouldn’t be mandatory. “you do you, I do me” was the sentence back then I think (sorry about my not so good english writing...)

[@heathfletcher6514]

Banning consensual relations in a workplace by a business should be a civil rights issue.

[@peteyoung3124]

It's ironic timing for this New Rule because I was just talking with a grad school friend of mine about dating and so many of our friends are married within our department. If our department had a rule against TAs dating other TAs, so much of the department would be single. Don't get me wrong - I don't want to date within my department, but I know a lot of amazing couples who wouldn't exist if they went strict on flirting and romance in the workplace.

[@rovospire]

I've had a ton of bosses who dated within office. I've personally never seen such crazy rules Maher described like having to let HR know, but there was def unspoken stigma of dating someone you're boss off. They usually dated others in similar positions or worked in other areas, which seems to be very acceptable. However, if like the big boss tried dating them, certainly would get heat for it. I know a ton of couples who applied together and got the same job and no one cared, had they met at the jobsite, and dated makes no difference to me.

[@peteyoung3124]

@@rovospire Oh there's definitely companies and collaborations with rules like Maher described. I believe it was because of possible conflicts of interest, Fermilab (I believe) training told me if I were to date someone at the lab, I'd have to notify them. In terms of my job, I could actually date a student so long as I notify them and the relationship pre-existed them being my student. (I'd never actually do that though. My students are too young for me.)

[@Redmenace96]

I teach at a school, and it is dominated by teaching couples who met in the workplace. Sadly, it does lead to conflicts of interest, sometimes. We all deal with it like adult humans.

[@christinagurchinoff1517]

Seems like when its done in a "responsible" "respectful" way nobody really cares!

[@Redmenace96]

@@christinagurchinoff1517 This has become a 'Republican' point of view, but I think it is common sense: Let the people do, what they are gonna do anyway. Legislation cannot cure what is bad. Educate and communicate, is the only solution. Laws against boning? 😅🤣😂 The People object!

[@zyxyx6754]

"who are we protecting" It's not the 99 workplace relationships that hurt a company. It's the one which mars the reputation either permanently or forces a huge public image restoration project. Plus, a company doesn't want to deal with the aftermath of a relationship gone bad, work needs to be done.

[@theplaylister]

I think we shouldn't ban all office romance but there should definitely be some guardrails in place. You're underestimating what the difference of power entails. It's most certainly not just physical coercion that's the problem Bill. Quite often when someone feels rejected (and even if it was done very politely), the work relationship suffers and the other person pays the price in terms of feeling excluded, potential promotions, etc. There is a cost to rejecting a coworker, even more so a superior. And if you're dependent on that job for money and healthcare, that's a very big deal. I think romance between people in the same department with one as the boss and the other as a subordinate is just too risky. For the other scenarios, whoever instigates any flirting should stop at the very first sign that the feelings aren't mutual and the other person shouldn't put in a position where there's awkwardness. If there's a breakup, it should be done respectfully as to minimize the impact on anyone's career and psychological safety at the work place.

[@jamesng2683]

I have been saying this same thing for years. HR should only get involved when a relationship effects work and productivity.

[@mikes6265]

How can Van Jones laugh so heartily at min 1:50 when Kamala Harris is such a front-and-center example of what he’s describing?!!

[@dionysianslip]

The reason these rules exists comes down to one word: Lawsuits. Companies have paid out untold millions because of office relationships that went sour, leading to a hell of a lot of case law that makes these policies a must-have for any place who wants to get insurance or stay solvent. Until that is fixed, dating in the workplace is gonna stay on the verboten list.

[@cdclemensen]

This is a litigious issue. There needs to be some kind of legislation that weakens the predatory law firms because it’s easy money.

[@BridgeTROLL777]

Or just stronger labor laws like in europe. You let companies run amok and you end up in dystopia. Here in europe bosses can fuck their secretaries and they cannot be fired for that under law. Companies cannot control employees personal life.

[@patsysadowski1546]

You are completely right. So is the comment below. In Europe our behaviour out of work is considered none of our employers business.

[@creativewriter3887]

@@BridgeTROLL777 Your personal life should NEVER be part of your work life.

[@BridgeTROLL777]

@@creativewriter3887 Personal lives should be none of employers business. And they arent in most of the civilized western world except in the states, which is under dystopian corporate rule.

[@millevenon5853]

@@BridgeTROLL777 Australia has gone insane with libel laws just like Japan. You can literally sue anyone for "spreading rumours" even if they are true

[@jordanloux3883]

I have coworkers who date. All my job did was make sure they work different shifts so there are no distractions.

[@gregoryleonwatson8631]

When they have a bad break-up, it causes issues where there should be none. Why can't people shop for sex outside of the work place ?

[@jordanloux3883]

@@gregoryleonwatson8631 They did. One helped the other get a job at the company

[@daveh7720]

Corporate rules are first and foremost there to protect the corporation. They don't want to get sued if an office romance goes sour and someone ends up getting hurt.

[@kaliss7192]

Divided we stand.