In this episode of the HR Leader podcast, host Kace O’Neill sits down with Rachel Voysey, founding director and principal psychologist of the Relationship Room, to unpack the complexities of workplace relationships – from platonic bonds to office romances. With over a decade of expertise in relationship dynamics, Voysey unpacks HR’s delicate role: addressing these dynamics without moral judgment, spotting subtle red flags like dips in team trust or favouritism, and navigating power imbalances that erode cohesion. From discreetly managing fallout to understanding how secrecy breeds “intuitive distrust”, Voysey emphasises policies that balance empathy with accountability.

While workplace relationships are inevitable, Voysey stresses that education on professional versus personal connections – and compassionate, transparent leadership – can mitigate risks without stifling the human connections that drive engagement.