Can HR Policies Really Stop Couples from Working Together in the Same Company?

Hello seniors,

I'm new in this community. I have one query. I'm working as an HR with an IT company, and my husband is a software developer working with another company. We tried to work with the same company, but my husband's company HR said, "As per HR policy, if a partner is working in the HR department (meaning in the same company), husband and wife cannot work together." Can you please clarify if this should be applicable?

Priya Singh
New Delhi.

It is not illegal for an organization to have such a policy. There are many companies that don't allow husbands and wives to be employed in the same company.

Dear Priya,

There is no specific law on this matter; it depends on the company's policy. You can ask HR to show you their policy. Secondly, why did they recruit both you and your husband when they were aware of your relationship?

Thank you.

Understanding Nepotism in Business Organizations

The prohibition of hiring relatives in business organizations is rooted in the concept of nepotism. Nepotism refers to relationships either by blood (consanguinity) or by marriage up to the 4th degree. Many see nepotism as a potential root of conflict of interest situations, including crimes of connivance and syndications, especially in critical departments like finance.

Companies that allow relatives (brothers/sisters/husbands & wives) to be hired ensure that they do not work in the same departments and that there is no superior-staff relationship between any of them. This is to avoid doubts and biases related to promotions and rewards. However, owners of companies (their children and close relatives) are generally exempted from this policy.

Best regards.

Dear Priya,

There is no law as such, but if it is in the policy of a company, then they can. You should ask for a written answer for your satisfaction.

Dear Priya,

I welcome you to CiteHR.com!!!

I agree with the above opinions that there is no such law that prohibits such employment. In fact, many companies encourage it. However, some companies, especially in the financial sector, may prohibit close relatives from working in the same department. This is a company policy to safeguard against any potential malpractices.

Warm regards.

Company Policy on Employing Couples

It is a matter of company policy. It is legal to have a policy of not employing a husband and wife in the same company.

Employer's Perspective

There are various reasons an employer might not want couples working in the same department or even in the same company. Will the two of you work on projects together in a professional manner? Will either of you act in a way that could make coworkers uncomfortable? Could you cause drama or tension if you have a fight or break up? If you stop speaking to each other after a fight, how will that impact work, where you interact with each other? If your girlfriend clashes with her superior, is that going to affect your own relationship with that person? What happens if she gets fired or is treated in a way that you or she feels is unfair? Is that really not going to impact your own morale and productivity?

Many questions arise for and against the employment of a husband and wife together.

Special Policies

Special policies have to be written for annual reports and confidential promotion reports. For example, a husband cannot give a report about his wife.

Returning to the present query, the HR policy will provide the answer. Nothing much can be done unless the company decides to change its policy.

Regards

Dear Priya,

Please seek a copy of the HR Policy which restricts such arrangements within the company. Spouses, relatives, children, etc. can be engaged in the same company; however, conflicts of interest should be avoided.

Thank you.

Company Policies on Family Members Working Together

It might be correct because some companies frame their policies like that. I have been working in an IT manufacturing company where we do not have such a policy, so we allow both wife and husband to work together. Hence, you may understand that policies vary from one company to another.

I can give you the best example: Once I went for an interview at a company where both my elder and younger brothers work. The management informed us that, as per company policy, we cannot have more than two family members working together.

Thanks,

PGR
DGM - HR & Admin
Hyderabad