By: LISA R. WILSON

So, has a co-worker caught your eye? Ooh-la-la. Finding a new lovey is always an exciting time. However, love in the workplace can create serious professional, and legal, challenges. Workplace romance may result in a breach of confidentiality, reduced objectivity, slowed productivity, excessive socializing, preferential treatment, arguing on the job, and possible charges of sexual harassment if and when a relationship goes sour. For these reasons, many companies don’t hire married couples or relatives in the same department. And many employers forbid dating among co-workers – especially among supervisors and their subordinates – and they often have a legal right to do so.

However, there’s always the legal risk that restrictions on dating may infringe on an employee’s right to privacy and freedom from discrimination. Therefore, an employer who disciplines a worker for breaking the no-dating rule should be prepared to defend the action for business reasons. If it can be shown that a person was disciplined for dating someone of another race or for dating a former love interest of another co-worker or supervisor, for example, then charges of discrimination may be filed. An evenhanded approach backed by a written policy, however, can help keep most employers with no-dating policies out of legal trouble. Some companies have policies that allow co-workers to date as long as both parties sign a “Relationship Agreement” release to relinquish liability.

Having said this however, regardless of workplace rules, if two employees are attracted to each other enough—they will find a way to date, among other things. Just make sure that before you ask that doe-eyed little deer in accounting out for a cocktail, if your company policy prohibits co-workers from dating, be aware that you may be jeopardizing your job, and that of your amore’s.

For more information on dating in the workplace, or if you feel your rights have been violated by your employer, contact a Lead Counsel Labor and Employment attorney in your area today.