Office Romances Present Dilemmas for Amorous Employees; Workplace
Legal Expert Robin Bond, Esq. Equates Onscreen Chemistry to Real World
Office Romances
WAYNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2006--From "Brangelina" to
Boeing, it doesn't matter what type of workplace you go to everyday -
the potential to find love abounds. When Cupid raises his bow next
month, many Americans may well find that romance exists no farther
than the cubicle down the hall.


Robin Bond, Esq., a workplace legal expert, believes the intensity and
frequency of the interactions at work create a 'hothouse' effect,
helping to forge close bonds of friendship that can easily develop
into a romantic whirlwind. "Attraction happens, and if it happens to
you, you'll need to assess the risks. Is this likely to be the great
love of your life, like it is for approximately 20% of co-workers - or
just a fling?"

Generally speaking, office romances that are truly consensual do not
violate the law. Bond cautions, however, that recent changes in the
law have opened the floodgates for possible sexual harassment claims
by co-workers who receive less favorable treatment when one of their
ranks is involved with the boss.

Bond offers this advice to employees on what to do when coupling
occurs "on the clock":

-- Know the policy: Find out what policy, if any, your company has
regarding office romances. To protect against lawsuits, some
organizations use "love contracts" - documents that HR professionals
ask both parties and the company representative to sign at the
beginning of the relationship to make it clear that the affair is
consensual.

-- Take it slow: Group lunches and after-work outings are the best way
to make sure a potential partner is worth the risks that come with
dating a co-worker.

-- Don't assume the company email system is your friend: You cannot
write love notes on company computers with any expectation of privacy.
The content belongs to the company and not to you.

-- If things get serious, strategize your options: Should you disclose
to the company? Which of you should look for another job? Get some
good advice regarding next steps from professionals who are not
working for your employer.

For more tips on handling office romance or other employment related
issues, visit www.RobinBond.com.