Dear Corporate Governess
I had a one-night stand with a colleague a few years ago. Later, she transferred to another branch, but she's back and giving me the stink eye. What, if anything, should I do?
—Simon N., Toronto
Dear Simon
Frankly, I don't think you need to do anything—unless, of course, she feels it wasn't consensual. That lingering stink eye might simply be signalling regret or embarrassment. That she transferred to another branch tells me you didn't send roses.
Consent is a big deal. In an equal relationship, it's likely your decision to sleep together was mutual. But if you held more power, she may have felt pressured. If so, that can bite you. Because of the Jian Ghomeshi case, a lot more people are now aware they have rights and can file a complaint. I asked employment lawyer Stuart Rudner, a founding partner of Rudner MacDonald LLP in Toronto, for his advice. If it's possible to have a civilized conversation with her, Rudner suggests you do so to find out if there's an issue. You'll need to read the situation first—if her body language makes it clear not to approach, then don't—but you could sit down and say, "We both know what happened. I just want to make sure that our relationship is okay."
However, that opens the door for her to say she feels uncomfortable around you. In an equal relationship, you might both go to HR and disclose the situation to help resolve it. But if the conversation goes badly and it looks like she will file a complaint, Rudner advises retaining a lawyer. He also suggests that you go back to the company at that point, perhaps with your lawyer in tow. The company has a duty to investigate complaints and, depending on their findings, could take action. Perhaps you should have sent flowers.
Dear Corporate Governess
My firm is building a new location, and my staff want a cafeteria. There are restaurants in the area, so I'm not sure it's worth it. Should I give in?
—Ben M., Vancouver
Dear Ben
You have a chance to do something extraordinary to increase employee happiness and productivity. The power of fries—or rather, crisp frites, along with fresh greens and nicely seared proteins—can work magic on morale. Quality may cost you, but it's important to do it right, so expect to just break even or perhaps take a loss.
A recent study in Silicon Valley by management consultancy Towers Watson found that tech companies that offered food saved employees up to an hour's time, as well as increasing employee engagement and boosting retention rates. Other research from the University of California-Davis supports the value of encouraging your employees to take a break from their tuna-soaked keyboards to recharge. Throw in some comfy chairs and your cafeteria could become the heartbeat of the building.