FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT LOVE AND WORK

22 per cent of workers have dated their boss, up from 15 per cent last year

27 per cent of women say they have dated someone who was their boss compared to 16 per cent of men 31 per cent of workers who started dating at work ended up getting married

Nine per cent of female workers whose romance at work soured left their job compared to three per cent of men Source: CareerBuilder Mixing business with pleasure? Employees should consider Stuart Rudner’s legal advice: Disclose any relationship that could create a conflict of interest You do not have to accept or tolerate unwanted attention, or acquiesce to requests for a romantic or physical relationship

Report harassment or abuse of power

If you are in a relationship with a colleague (especially a subordinate), protect yourself from allegations or harassment or abuse of power Never lie or cover things up; doing so almost always comes back to haunt you

For employers:

Have clear policies regarding conflict of interest and harassment, and ensure everyone is trained on what they mean and how to report issues

Take all complaints seriously Investigate all allegations or suspicions of harassment

Ensure that “consensual” relationships really are that