I’m going to venture a guess that some people here have a misunderstanding of the concept of ??? ?? ?? which stems from the fact that their first exposure to it was ???? ?????, and because it also appears in context of ?????? ???. It seems they believe it to connote a very intimate relationship, not merely a familiarity.
Comparison to a similar phrase employed by Chazal, “?? ??? ??????,” however, makes clear that this is erroneous.
It is obvious that the intent is a comfort level which erodes the normal boundaries, lulls the normal precautions, and which could lead to cavalier conduct.
In fact, it is explicit in ???? ???? (unfortunately, I can not provide specific references at this time, as I am away from home) that any relationship which results in such a comfort level is considered ??? ?? ??.
Certainly, this would extend to an employer/employee relationship, especially in such a small setting.