Office romance is becoming increasingly more common. But whether or not workplace romances lead to wedded bliss, they must be handled with care.

1. Office Romances

2. The Downsides to
Office Romance
• Distraction
• Can harm productivity of
persons involved and
colleagues
• Perception of favoritism
• Reputation: individuals
organization

3. The Downsides to
Office Romance
• Hard feelings after breakup
• Stressful environment
• Lost productivity
• Loss of valued employees

4. Sexual Harassment
• Hostile work environment
• Tangible employment action
(firing/promotion/demotion)
based on submitting to or
refusing unwelcome sexual
advances

5. Other Illegal Behavior
• Threats
• Unwanted contact
• Harassment/Stalking

6. How to Minimize These
Pitfalls
• Policy on dating/personal
relationships
• Disruption to workplace
won’t be tolerated
• Prohibit relationships between
direct reports

7. How to Minimize These
Pitfalls
• Commitment to
professionalism
• Zero tolerance policy for
sexual harassment, threats
or intimidation

8. www.hr360.com