How should HR deal with office romances?

According to a report in the Guardian last year, one in five people marry a co-worker. Maybe this isn’t surprising given how much time many of us spend at work, often working in close proximity to colleagues, customers or clients. But perhaps it’s also unsurprising that half of all workplace romances end within three months.

Many office relationships are doomed from the start. There are a number of factors that place strain on fledgling romances, and any employee considering making a move on a colleague should do so with caution - especially if the other person is on a different grade. Problems can occur either by trying to keeping the relationship a secret or, if colleagues are aware of its existence, through accusations of favouritism.