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Cupid in the cubicle can be a problem for employers unprepared to deal with the fallout from workplace romances.
On Valentine's Day experts warn that many employers are surprised by the effects of intra-office relationships, which can demoralise staff and spread envy and resentment.
Problems range from a messy breakup between a boss and a subordinate, to risque emails or a kiss in the hallway that can distract colleagues and hurt productivity.
"People are a little sloppier around Valentine's Day," said Debra Mandel, a psychologist and author on the subject of office relations. "They might let the relationship out of the box more."
Employers may be at risk when a staff member becomes romantic with a supervisor, which can lead to claims of sexual harassment. A soured relationship between peers puts the company at risk if it leaves one feeling harassed at work.
Companies may be at risk even if the relationship ends well, said Shanti Atkins, president of ELT, which offers online ethics and legal compliance training.
A recent poll found that nearly 40 per cent of US workers have dated a colleague. Eighty-four per cent said their employer did not have a policy on office romance or that they were not sure if such a policy existed.
Experts say many employers decide it is easier to do nothing.
"As long as people are professional in the office, it's no one's business what people do outside the office," says Barbara Pachter, who writes about business etiquette.
Enforcing a policy that forbids office dating could drive some staff to quit. Similar to decrees that ban internet use at work, rules against dating co-workers risk being considered frivolous by staff and could undermine a company's authority.
"People don't follow the dress code so how will you get them to follow a romance code?" Pachter said.
Ayana Brooks, a lawyer who specialises in sexual harassment claims, said: "You want to set basic guidelines, such as keeping the interaction out of the office."
The recent case of astronaut Lisa Nowak, accused of stalking and attacking a perceived romantic rival, might have been prevented if colleagues had been trained to tell supervisors about unusual behaviour, she said. "There is a lack of reporting from employees on these issues. That's the high price of silence. The only way to get these addressed is to get at them early."
- REUTERS
