Ethics

Managing Relationships with Colleagues

By Laura Allen

Autumn 2026

Many massage therapists work in group settings, such as franchises, resorts, or day spas, while some share office space with fellow practitioners who may be renters. Just as you may not feel the same about every client (though the client should never know that), your feelings toward coworkers can also vary (and your coworkers shouldn’t know it either).

In any group setting, you may encounter coworkers you dislike—sometimes for no obvious reason beyond “the vibe.” Or maybe a coworker took an instant dislike of you! It’s not fair to judge someone before getting to know them, but it’s a common human experience. Or, you might click with someone you work with and become close friends, or even see a colleague as a potential partner.

Keep the Partnership Fair

In some cases, developing friendships or partnerships with coworkers is not problematic. For example, two massage school classmates might decide to start a business together after getting licensed. If they get along, evenly splitting office expenses and housekeeping chores, things can work out well for both.

AUT_26_HeartOfBodywork_Main_unsplash_1600 — Unsplash.

However, it can be a problem if things at work feel unfair. One might be jealous because the other has more clients. If one colleague dresses professionally in scrubs while the other wears flip-flops, ripped jeans, and a revealing top, or one always takes responsibility for cleaning the bathroom and emptying the trash while the other only changes their own sheets, resentment can build. Having a written contract clearly outlining each person’s responsibilities can prevent such issues. When sharing a rental space with multiple tenants, clarify with the landlord whether cleaning public areas is a shared responsibility. Regardless, always clean up after yourself.

Be Professional

You might find yourself attracted to a colleague, but if those feelings aren’t mutual, it can create an awkward atmosphere at work. Even if feelings are mutual, dating a coworker can also lead to an uncomfortable situation if the relationship ends, especially if one begins dating another colleague. An office romance can quickly turn into office trauma and drama.

To maintain a professional atmosphere, avoid gossiping about coworkers. If someone tries to involve you in gossip, a good response is: “I have enough of my own faults to worry about. It’s against my personal code of conduct to talk negatively about other people.”

Don’t gossip with clients about other professionals either. If a client tells you something serious about a colleague, encourage them to report it to management if it’s an employee situation or the massage board (and the police, if it’s a serious accusation involving sexual assault, for instance), but don’t engage in gossip about them.

Unless you’re the employer, you cannot control how others present themselves in the office or whether they work for the common good. You are only accountable for your own professionalism.

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