Scope:
This policy applies to all individuals registered and interacting on the WorkWhile platform, including WorkWhile employees, shift leads, and workers.
Definitions:
Romantic Relationship: This refers to any relationship that is intimate, sexual, or of a romantic or dating nature. This includes relationships that are ongoing, newly formed, or have been previously terminated.
Shift Lead: A worker or client representative who has influence over other workers on a shift or project.
Worker: An individual registered on the WorkWhile platform who accepts and performs shifts for clients.
Client: An individual or entity that utilizes the WorkWhile platform to find and engage workers for shifts or projects.
Policy Guidelines:
Relationships Between WorkWhile Employees and Workers/Clients:
Romantic relationships between WorkWhile employees and workers or clients are strongly discouraged due to the inherent power differential and potential for conflicts of interest.
If such a relationship exists or develops, the WorkWhile Employee or platform user must immediately disclose the relationship to WorkWhile management. WorkWhile will assess the situation and may require one or both parties to adjust their roles or responsibilities on the platform to mitigate potential conflicts or perceived impropriety. Failure to disclose may result in disciplinary action.
Relationships Between Shift Leads and Workers:
Undisclosed romantic relationships between a Shift Lead and any worker over whom they have influence are strictly prohibited.
If such a relationship exists or develops, it must be immediately disclosed to WorkWhile. The Shift Lead may be required to no longer act as shift lead, and alternative arrangements may be made to avoid perceptions of unfairness, favoritism or coercion. Failure to disclose will result in disciplinary action.
Relationships Between Workers and Clients:
Romantic relationships between workers and clients are strongly advised against. Such relationships can create conflicts of interest, or perceptions of unfairness or favoritism, and undermine the professional nature of the platform.
If a romantic relationship develops between a worker and a client, it is strongly recommended that the worker no longer accept shifts from that specific client through the WorkWhile platform to avoid potential or actual perceptions of favoritism, unfairness, or conflict of interest. WorkWhile is not responsible for issues arising from such relationships.
Consensual Relationships:
While this policy primarily focuses on power dynamics, it is important to emphasize that all relationships must be consensual. Non-consensual romantic or sexual advances may constitute harassment or assault, both of which are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate and severe disciplinary action, up to and including permanent removal from the platform and potential legal action.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to:
Mandatory Disclosure and Role Adjustment: Required disclosure of the relationship and potential reassignment of roles or responsibilities to eliminate actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
Formal Warning: A documented warning placed in the individual's WorkWhile profile.
Temporary Suspension: Suspension from accessing or offering shifts on the WorkWhile platform for a specified period.
Permanent Removal from the Platform: For severe or repeated violations, or failure to disclose as required, individuals may be permanently removed from the WorkWhile platform.
Legal Action: In cases involving harassment, non-consensual acts, or significant harm to WorkWhile's reputation or operations, legal action may be pursued.
Reporting Violations:
Any concerns or suspected violations of this policy should be reported confidentially to WorkWhile management or through trust-and-safety@workwhilejobs.com, or via the Support chat in the WorkWhile app. All reports will be investigated promptly and discreetly. Retaliation against anyone who reports a violation in good faith is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Policy Acknowledgment:
By using the WorkWhile platform, all WorkWhile employees, shift leads, workers, and clients agree to abide by this Romantic Relationships Policy. Understanding and adhering to this policy is a condition of maintaining access to and participation on the WorkWhile platform.
WorkWhile reserves the right to modify this policy at any time, with notice provided to all platform users.