Love at Work: Navigating Risk, Power, and Policy (from SHRM's Honest HR Podcast)

Love at Work: Navigating Risk, Power, and Policy (from SHRM's Honest HR Podcast)

From SHRM All Things Work by SHRM

February 19, 2026 · 25 min · Season 3 · Episode 29

About this episode

This episode discusses the complexities and risks associated with workplace romances, featuring insights from employment lawyer Jenn Betts.

Workplace romances are more common than many organizations realize, and even consensual relationships can carry serious legal and cultural risks. In this special crossover episode featuring Honest HR, Jenn Betts, employment lawyer and office managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins law firm, joins host Honest HR Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to unpack how power dynamics, perception, policy, and digital communication shape legal exposure — and what HR leaders can do to manage risk, respond to breakups, and foster a respectful workplace culture. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires March 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

People in this episode

Host: Monique Akanbi

Guest: Jenn Betts

Topics covered

  • workplace romance
  • legal risks
  • HR policies
  • power dynamics
  • workplace culture

Keywords

  • workplace romance
  • legal risks
  • HR policies
  • power dynamics
  • workplace culture
  • employment law
  • digital communication

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ogletree Deakins law firm, SHRM

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