1. Require Disclosure

Even if you are opting for a more relaxed dating policy within your organization, require that the two involved employees disclose their relationship. Have the involved parties sign a contract that states their relationship is mutually consensual, they are both free to end the relationship at any point in time without an impact on work, that they will not let the relationship effect their performance, and that they understand the company’s sexual harassment policy.

Negotiation is simply an exchange of information aimed at reaching an agreement. However, supervisors need to be conscientious when it comes to negotiating with their employees.

Complex human resource challenges such as increasing employee retention and improving workforce productivity are common concerns to have in your organization.

In the spirit of romance on this Valentine’s Day, now might be a good time for your organization to take a good hard look at your policy on “workplace romance”. Do you have a policy in place? How does it define the limits to relationships between employees? Has this issue come up recently among your employees? Should you consider implementing one?