Purpose and legal effect of a workplace relationships policy

A Workplace Relationships Policy provides guidance on managing personal relationships that may affect the workplace or create actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. It supports a professional working environment by setting clear expectations for behaviour and disclosure where appropriate.

The template explains when workplace relationships should be disclosed, how potential conflicts are managed, and the responsibilities of both individuals and the organization in maintaining fairness, respect, and professionalism. It also includes drafting guidance to help organizations tailor the policy to their workplace.

Organizations can adapt this template to encourage transparency while balancing employee privacy with effective workplace governance.

Disclaimer

This template is a workplace relationships policy for employees, secondees, contractors and consultants, as well as those on a “call” agreement. This is an “internal” workplace relationships policy and is not intended for the public or the organization’s customers.

This template is provided for use as a guide only. The content provided herein is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

This template is based on New Zealand law.

We make no representation or warranty that this template is appropriate for use in other countries or that the content satisfies the laws of other countries.

To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor Parry Field Lawyers Limited (who assisted us in preparing this template) make any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, suitability for your circumstances, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information mentioned in this template. The use of, or reliance on, any information contained within is for your sole use and solely at your own risk. You agree to fully release and indemnify us and Parry Field Lawyers Limited from any liability associated with the use of this content. You are advised to obtain independent legal advice before taking, or refraining from taking, any action on the basis of the content provided here.

To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor Parry Field Lawyers Limited also have any liability or responsibility to you or any other person for any loss in connection with any modification or adaptation you make to this form, or for any information or content contained in this form, including any error or omission, or information or content that is out-of-date.

You are responsible for ensuring that your access to and use of this template is not illegal or prohibited, and for your compliance with applicable local laws.

Upon making any amendments or personalising the template, the user must remove the Parry Field Lawyers branding from all sections of the policy.

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