Love In The Air

For as much time as we spend talking about emotional intelligence and corporate culture, we don’t spend much time discussing office relationships of the romantic type. The Society for Human Resource Management sent this infographic out on Valentine’s Day. Apparently, there are plenty of folks exploring team building activities beyond those provided by the company.

It’s not a surprise that workplace romances happen, given that we spend so much time at work. However, if a break-up does happen with a co-worker, are you okay with seeing their stupid face every other time you go to a meeting? According to the SHRM survey, 10% of folks would rather take their talents to South Beach.

Most employers hate employee relationships. All they see is a harassment suit getting ready to happen. And if one of the employees has the ability to influence the conditions of employment for the other employee by virtue of their role in the organization, mayhem.

I’ve seen plenty when it comes to relationships in the workplace. “Love Contracts” where the two employees in a relationship have a signed document stating that their relationship is voluntary and consensual. Employees being transferred to a different department because neither of them can stand the thought of working with their ex. “Work Spouses” that go beyond being “Work Spouses.”

Wherever there are humans, romantic relationships will form. If you’re an employer, it’s your job to ensure your policies and procedures protect you as much as possible when relationships inevitably go bad.