Using Love Contracts to Avoid Sexual Harassment Claims
Love Contracts are essentially agreements entered into by employees engaged in a relationship acknowledging that the relationship is consensual and reiterating the employer's harassment policy. Some contracts go further, to specify what behavior is appropriate or inappropriate in the workplace - perhaps these details are necessary when an amorous relationship becomes more than apparent and potentially offensive behavior is exhibited at work. Employers use these to avoid sexual harassment claims later on or to avoid future claims of favoritism by others.
A recent survey by SHRM, noted that 19% of respondents asserted that workplace dating resulted in sexual harassment claims. Vault.com, in its 2005 survey, noted that 58% of employees have been involved in an office romance. So, on Valentine's Day, take note of all of the roses and flowers being delivered around the office - love is in the air.
I think this is a great idea and policy. Important, and more realistic and transparent than no love in the office policies. I guess the side benefit is avoiding sexual harassment claims. In one organization where I worked the place was full of love partners and something like this would have been very reflective and appropriate of the "loving" kind of culture it was!