Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Should I Disclose My Husband Works Here Too?

I am working as an HR Executive in a reputed company. My husband also wants to work in the same company, as he is in the Sales Department. I am worried if this would be a good decision. Should I refrain from disclosing in the organization that he is my husband? Kindly suggest.

It would be right to work in the same firm in a non-reporting relationship. If the firm has offered you the role knowingly, they might either have a culture of hiring spouses or a system to support them. Is there any other reason why you are wondering? Please help us understand.

I know many of my acquaintances work in the same organizations without any problems. As (Cite Contribution) said, if there is a direct reporting relationship, there may be some issues. Pon

Dear Priya,

Being in HR, I am sure you must be aware of the HR policies better. What does your HR policy state about spouses working in the company? Many companies do not allow it, but most companies these days allow spouses to work in the same company if they are in different departments so that there is no reporting relationship.

Different companies have different policies. In my company, I have a couple working, both belonging to different departments. I also have a dating couple in the same department, and we are fine with that.

If you are still unsure, why not seek guidance from your senior regarding the working policy for spouses in the company? You can always seek guidance in general and then decide accordingly.

All the best.

Dear Pinky, there is nothing wrong if both of you work for the same company. However, you have to consider certain pros and cons implied in such an option before making a decision.

Advantages:

• Both of you can commute together and save costs involved.

• Both of you can share food from a common carrier.

• When leave is required for one of you, the other can convey.

• Almost all secrets and potential issues are completely avoided.

• There is no need to lie regarding pay, perks, and benefits.

• If you have kids, a crèche facility would be convenient, and either of you can take care of the kid(s).

• Misunderstandings and mistrust arising from suspected contacts within your company can be avoided.

• You will be subjected to fewer office gossips.

Disadvantages:

• Any disparities in pay, perks, or positions between the two of you may become irksome and affect the conjugal atmosphere.

• It would be difficult to conceal any embarrassments that occur in the workplace from each other.

• If you both receive house rent allowance, conveyance allowance as part of the salary, there could be a risk of disallowance for one. Similarly, issues may arise with education allowance, insurance, loan sanctions, and their impacts on tax matters.

• Seeking leave may become problematic. Typically, leave applications are made on the pretext of a spouse being sick.

• If unwanted gossip circulates, it may be challenging for the spouse not to get involved and react to such rumors.

• Personal (secret) loans, receipts cannot happen, as many of us assist family members or friends without the knowledge of our spouse.

• You will have limited opportunities to avoid home-cooked meals, and going out to eat cannot happen easily.

• Above all, you will have to encounter the same face both at the office and at home.

Regards

Going through the discussion thread, I'm sure you would have received enough inputs to make your decision. In a nutshell, my advice is that it's okay for you and your husband to work in the same company provided:

1. Your company doesn't have any rules against it.
2. Inform the concerned people in management in advance without fail.
3. You and your husband should not be in a position to influence each other's careers.
4. You can bear being around each other for the whole day (work + home).

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ritesh Shah

In my organization (a central PSU), there are many couples working. Previously, they were not posted in the same section (department was allowed), but now even that is not adhered to!

Regards,
S.K. Limaye

To me, it doesn't appear to be a "grab it" chance based on your descriptions, such as delayed enrollment in the payroll/PF, bonding, etc. Please reconsider.