The working place is the second home for employees. When most part of the working day is spent at the office and it’s only at weekend that working men and women are actually able to enjoy their homes, maintaining a work culture that is conducive to employees at work assumes great significance. And when men and women work together, it is important to define their relationships at work so that relationships at work do not become a distraction from work and affect organizational productivity.

Sexual harassment at work is a known issue that normally provokes a sharp response from the management and the society at large. But there are subtle factors at work that may not amount to sexual harassment in the obvious sense of the term but would lead to distraction and affecting the people involved psychologically. Amorous advances at the office and suggestive talks are just one of them.

Organizational Productivity: It has been found through extensive research that advances and innuendos at work do not help organizational productivity. There are cases where get-together and parties organized at offices find objectionable content exhibited in the name of celebrations. The context may be a break from the routine, but anything that crosses the acceptable limits leaves a hangover and could lead to lapses in concentrations and strained relationships at the work place. Surveys done by “Management Today” indicate that a sizable proportion of women would rather not have such “exhibitions” in the name of entertainment.

Organizational Culture and Work place Relationships: It is management’s responsibility to look into issues before they become problems. Working relationships are supposed to be maintained at a professional level. They can go personal as long as they do not affect the people involved. But when they do, the working environment gets disturbed. Organizations are nothing but people socializing at a professional level. If interactions are stalled or if people do not see a certain level of comfort in their “Second homes”, they are likely to lead to serious Human resources Management problems, starting from drops in productivity levels to increased employee turnovers and low employee morale and motivation levels in the workforce. Top Management has to take the efforts to mould organizational culture in ways that are supportive to everyone who is a part of the organization.