A New Kind of Power Couple

A friend with a sexy name

Kris Hiddema and Stu Ducoffe work together. At work, Stu is Mr Hiddema but...

There is nothing romantic about their relationship, they say.

Vault Inc says that 32 % employees have office confidants of the opposite sex, commonly called an office spouse.

(The survey was launched after Condi Rice titillated America by referring to Dubya as "my husband").

Causes

Some people say that an upsurge in office spousery is due to the increased presence of women in all levels of the workplace. Makes sense to me.

But Dave Irvine, a human dynamics "expert" says it's caused by companies encouraging more innovation, creativity and passion at work.

He's been reading too much, hasn't he?. And, falling for it. But, in the end, Dave has something smart to say.

Having a close chum at work makes employees happier about coming to the office.

Yeah, especially if they are good looking. Listen, apparently,
30 % of people have a best friend in the office (Gallup).

It Promotes Engagement

Of this group, close to 60 % said they felt engaged on the job.

By comparison, nearly 65 % of employees without an office best buddy said they were disengaged.

Scott Richer (see below) says: "She [my office spouse] actually makes up for what I would like to have in salary. She's one of the reasons I enjoy my job."

Well, I can't argue with that. And it seems to confirm what Scoobie's been telling me. The team is an important hiring feature.

You can't attract talent with job content and job descriptions alone.

You have to form a team of passionate people with whom top candidates want to work.

It's not just the Red Sox. It's the Red Sox nation.

Enhances Performance

Two years ago Scott Richer, a marketing manager "formed an affinity" with Mary Pattison, his director of marketing. He explains it in ungrammatic but business-like terms.

It lends for a very cohesive environment for us and brings value to our performance.

Sexist Hogwash?

Pattison claims that men and women have different approaches to business and the relationship allows her to study her buddy's work moves closely.

Speaking in the same vein, Hiddema and Ducoffe say their relationship lets them represent the male and female perspective to clients. (Which are equal but different, I'm sure).

And, how about this. Having a close ally gives you some relief when you need to blow off steam. Agreed, absolutely. But....

Because his confidante is a woman, Mr. Ducoffe says he's more comfortable exposing his feelings.

"Men just don't tend to do that. ... with Krista we've closed the door and said 'All right, here's a personal aspect of my life that I just need to get off my chest right now.' "

Mister, please. When it comes to griping about people, most of us will talk to anyone who will listen. (Ask any of my friends).

But there are dangers to friendship:

1. You can't form a clique and have others feel you are excluding them.
They'll get even.

2. Quasi-spousal relationships can set off rumours.
So tell everyone there's no sex involved.

3. No touching. No after-hours meetings in secluded bars.

4. Get your night-spouse involved.
(After all, Laura knows Condi, doesn't she. And they share a man).

5. If the duo gets too tight, the boss should pry them apart by encouraging team work.

And the Recruiting Animal's own suggestion?

If you're going to be an office wife, think about a burka. And, yes, I know, the men can wear them too.

Actually, robes are rather unisexual. And, just think of the mileage you'd get on diversity issues. (Nuff said).

Source: Marjo Johne, Globe and Mail. Burka courtesy of Andrea Harner.com

Canadian Headhunter

Comments

[sponng]

Plus robes provide better airflow....