Omar hits when and where it suits him – also in the office, countless surveys show. Theres nothing wrong with that. Love is basically a private matter even at work and no one’s business. However, it becomes difficult when lovers depend on each other.
This is what happened at Migros Bank at the highest level: Manuel Konzelman (47), CEO since May 2020, fell in love with his personal assistant. The two have entered into a relationship – and now the woman is leaving the company, the financial portal Inside Paradeplatz reported this week.
The couple decided together
A Migros Bank spokesperson confirmed the facts to SonntagsBlick, but emphasized: “Because of their assignments, there was no conflict of interest or violation of the Migros guidelines.”
The speaker explains why the women left the company anyway: “They both realize that a special relationship can be controversial in a business environment. That’s why they made a joint decision a few weeks ago to go down separate career paths.”
The story raises a fundamental question: When does love become a problem in the workplace?
Legally acceptable but with consequences?
Roger Rudolf (52), Professor of Labor Law at the University of Zurich, has dealt with this question in detail and even wrote a thesis aptly titled “Amor in Action”. He says: The relationship between the CEO and the employee is undoubtedly legitimate. The question is what are the legal consequences of that? “
Depending on the constellation, those involved will have to inform the employer of the relationship on their own initiative. “In clear subsidiarity relationships, for example when the affected parties sign contracts together, as well as with high-level or exposed executives, not only the obligation to provide information upon request must be confirmed, but also the automatic notification obligation must be confirmed,” Rudolph says.
Prevent conflict of interest
In such cases, the relationship is no longer a purely private matter – and the employer has the right to issue instructions to prevent conflicts of interest. It is possible to specify certain behavioral instructions, for example the prohibition of perceived tenderness in the workplace or the requirement that all team members be treated equally strictly. It is also possible to redistribute work or modify the hierarchy.
In the case of Migros Bank, these requirements are considered unnecessary. The assistant CEO will leave the company in mid-September. However, a spokesperson asserts: “Privately, the two remain in a relationship.”
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