Love contracts for workplace dating

So, is it possible to allow cupid’s arrows in the office—but steer clear of legal landmines?

Perhaps more dangerous, however, is the potential liability if the relationship sours and the subordinate employee claims that the relationship was actually not consensual, but coerced, resulting in allegations of quid pro quo harassment, a hostile work environment and/or claims of retaliation.

Employers should consider implementing policies outlining permissible and prohibited conduct concerning dating relationships with co-workers.

," spoken by Perez in Act 3, Scene 2, The Mourning Bride (1697).

William Congreve's words (often misattributed to Shakespeare) might be paraphrased in the workplace to "Hell hath no fury like an office romance gone bad." As Valentine's Day approaches, it is a good time for employers to review and revisit their office romance policies.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, there’s an uptick in whiteboard hearts and watercooler gossip.

Love is in the air alright, but chances are, it’s been there all year long: 56% of business professionals say they’ve been in relationships with coworkers.

The starting point is that an employer will normally be held to be vicariously liable for its employees’ actions while in the workplace and at work place events (Christmas parties, client dinners and drinks…).

This was illustrated most clearly by an unusual and questionable decision by the Federal Court of Australia which held that an employer was responsible for a work place injury which occurred while the employee was having sex with her partner in a hotel room while on a business trip.

Discrimination and harassment law in the UK covers all areas of the employment relationship from beginning to end, including job adverts, recruitment, conduct during employment, work social events, dismissal and giving references.

If a relationship between two employees has or is likely to have an impact on working relationships, contrary to the British instinct to not meddle in people’s private lives, it is an employer’s business.