Studies have shown that men more often view
flirting as indicative of sexual
interest, while women see it simply as fun and friendly behavior.
Legalizing Your
Office Romance
Knowing glances, provocative e-mails,
stolen kisses, long lunches, and maybe even convention escapades... You both have sworn to
secrecy to avoid any office issues, discomfort, or risks, but despite your efforts, the word is out.
Or, have you been honest and open about your office romance,
maintaining full professionalism and decorum?
Either way, you may be asked (or you may request) to sign a Love
Contract.
In an attempt to avoid possible litigation or embarrassing headlines
if the romance ends, many employers are now requesting that both
parties sign a consensual social relationship agreement.
These Love Contracts usually call for both parties to confirm they
weren't coerced due to subordinate status, but "independently and
collectively, desire
to undertake and pursue a mutually consensual social and/or
amorous relationship."
OFFICE RELATIONSHIP CONTRACT
SAMPLE
Employee A, employed by the Company as a
paper-pusher, and Employee B, employed by the Company as a
paper-pusher supervisor, hereby notify the Company that we
wish to enter into a voluntary and mutual consensual social
relationship.
In entering into this relationship, we both understand and agree
that we are both free to end the social relationship at any time.
Should the social relationship end, we both agree that we shall not
allow the breakup to negatively impact the performance of our duties.
Prior to signing this Consensual Relationship Contract, we received
and reviewed the Company's Sexual Harassment Policy, a copy of which
is attached hereto. By signing below, we acknowledge that the social relationship between
us does not violate the Company's Sexual Harassment Policy,
and that entering into the social relationship has not been
made a condition or term of employment.
By signing below, we also acknowledge that, under the Confidential
Medical Information Act, the Company is prohibited from releasing
to one of us any information regarding the other's medical condition, disability or
communicable disease.
