Aussie media personalities discuss workplace relationships: 'Can you really be friends with your boss?'

The workplace can be a tricky environment to navigate.

Office friendships and relationships can pose an obstacle as employees struggle to establish the right boundaries. Finding the line between colleague and friend can be tricky, and in some instances it becomes blurred.

In this week's segment of Talking Honey, 9Honey columnist Shelly Horton posed the controversial question: Can you really be friends with your boss?

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The question sparked a debate among the panel, which consisted of MAFS relationship expert John Aiken, former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil and 2GB Breakfast host Ben Fordham.

Fordham voiced his opinion first: "I think absolutely, you can be friends with your boss. In fact, it's probably a smart move to be friends with your boss."

His strong opinion divided the panel, with Thattil expressing a different view, pointing out the "power imbalance" stressing how important it is to recognise the role it plays.

"It's knowing that there's a power imbalance there, so you can have a good relationship and get on, but I personally am quite wary of what I share," she said.

"So I share wisely… strategically."

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Aiken expressed his agreeance with Fordham, saying, "I think a very important part of moving your career along — is to get along."

However, he emphasised the importance of drawing a line: "You have to realise there is a line… If they need to pull you aside and give you a rocket, then that is their role and you need to accept that," he joked.

Aiken concluded his argument saying, "It's much better to be a lubricator than it is to be an agitator," to which Fordham replied, "Lubricant?!"

Horton shocked the panel with her response, revealing she has a tendency to disagree with her bosses.

"I often butt heads with my bosses, I tend to do that. Many people say 'don't burn bridges' — I say, 'May the bridges I burn light my way'," she joked.

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The conversation took an interesting turn when Fordham chimed in: "Maybe this is a conversation for another day but, are you allowed to fall in love with your boss?"

The question prompted an outburst from the group, with Horton remarking, "No! HR quick step in!"

Thattil jumped in, saying, "There are rules around that!" to which Fordham remarked, "Rules, schmules"

Aiken, the relationship expert of the group, expressed his concern, beginning, "Ben, that's not a good way to go..."

To find out how the other panelists reacted, watch the clip above.