Conduct an annual self-disclosure survey asking employees to identify any spouse working in the same organization, regardless of department.

Beyond military settings, most organizations have anti-nepotism policies that restrict spouses from working in direct superior-subordinate relationships due to the inherent conflict of interest. These rules aim to maintain fairness and integrity within the workplace. An ethics advisory from Connecticut, for example, explicitly states that a superior cannot take any action that furthers the financial interest of their spouse.

Do you or your wife work in a (like finance, law, or government)? What immediate goal are you trying to achieve?

Open and honest communication is crucial. Both partners should feel comfortable expressing their needs, desires, and concerns.