A school teacher couple in Pampore, Kashmir recently lost their jobs – because they decided to marry! Apparently, this act of theirs sets a “wrong example” for the school students and other staff members according to the school administration; so the couple’s employment was terminated. Here are some details about this incident, a look at workplace romances in India, as well as the pros and cons of such relationships.
Both were teachers at the Muslim Educational Institute of Pampore for several years; but about five months ago, some faculty members ‘complained’ about the two being romantically involved. On the day of their wedding, they received a letter of termination from the school authorities.
The school authorities say that the couple hid their ‘romance’ and lied about it; that the relationship sets a bad example and gives a bad name to the school. Tariq and Sumaya, however, maintain that there was no secrecy; that they had in fact distributed sweets in school, when they got engaged. Concerned officials in the education department have clarified that getting married could not be a ground for termination and that they would look into the matter.
A survey conducted in 2015 found that over one-third of Indian workers (36%) have had some sort of a relationship with a coworker, and that about 37% of those couples went on to marry each other. So clearly it is a common enough phenomenon.
There is no law that prohibits coworkers from being in a relationship or getting married; however, the stated policy of the workplace could have bearing on the matter. If it is a clearly stated company policy that either prohibits or frowns upon intra office relationships, this could be a relevant factor.
For the couple, it could seem like a good idea – travelling to and from office together, helping each other at work, being with a loved one all day. Also, a couple that works together has a realistic insight into each other’s work issues; making them more sympathetic and understanding towards each other and their professional burdens.
The competing professional ambitions of the couple could negatively impact their relationship. In cases, their professional ambitions could suffer. While seeing one’s partner all the time can seem like a good thing; in some cases, the situation could become stifling; again negatively impacting the relationship.
Petty jealousies and misunderstandings could occur between couples, and could also occur between the couple and other colleagues. There could be charges of favouritism made; whether or not they are deserved. Work hierarchies, workplace politics could all become problems. These may create a strain in the relationship as well as each individual’s professional progression within the institution.
Make sure you know your workplace policy. Keep your personal life out of office – maintain as professional a stance as possible vis-à-vis your significant other in the office. If the circumstances seem to put a strain on your relationship or your professional performance, reconsider working together.
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