Is it proper etiquette to be the owner of a business and have a friendship outside the office with employees?

This employee acts as an administrative asistant to me and my partner. He seems to share a lot of time out of office with her on weekends. In most cases they are with spouses. For example go on trips together with spouses. But, sometimes go to lunch or dinner without spouses. Doesnt it jeopardize the professional relationship and does it jeopardize our partnership? Information about the company and possibly the employee performance is shared outside of the office (i.e. employee review status)

Small business ownership is all about risk & rewards.

Sounds like your on the outside of the relationship seeing that the risk outweights the reward. Talk to your H.R. person ... make sure you have proper "Umbrella" coverage for being sued if you're super concerned.

In most cases, the benefit of working at small businesses is the lack of corporate rules and hoop-la. Sometimes human friendship is more valuable than the business. When ppl in the company are happy because of friendships bonded withing the work place, you often find higher production.

Best wishes for your company.

Yes, I think it's alright.

I work with at-risk youth and the "ownership" are always trying to get us to do stuff outside of work to "bond". The difference is they are wanting everyone to bond.

You situation sounds a little different, like maybe you are concerned there is private info being shared that shouldn't be and the risk of a possible affair. In general I don't see a problem with out of office friendships or joint vacations as long as it doesn't create in-office tension.

only thing i can do is give u my experience with this. i live in a small town my guy and i worked at the same business with the owners son and daughter in law. we tryed doing things together like going to there house for things,it didn't work because no one could leave the work stuff at work and just socialize.