Love Contracts

Even though businesses frown on workplace romance, let's face it: most of us have three ways of meeting people: through our friends, at a bar, or at work. And since we spend at least one-third of our lives at work, the chances are there that a romance will develop.

In most states, an employer cannot prevent employees from dating. (However, most states permit employers from halting a romance between a supervisor and direct report).

And remember - 50% of all sexual harassment cases start when the relationship was consensual.

So how to mitigate the issue?

One way is through a so-called love contract, in which both parties acknowledge their relationship is voluntary and consensual. Although it's questionable whether these contracts are enforceable, it seems desireable for an employer to get something in writing.

Here's an excellent article about love contracts by Ann Margaret Pointer of Fisher & Phillips LLP.