Views Do you really care about workplace romances?

Okay, so Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s time to talk about such things like heart disease/hypertension, the health benefits of chocolate and of course, workplace romances.

This year’s romance research comes from Workplace Options, which finds one in four of us have been in a relationship with a coworker. Nearly nine out of 10 (88%) say PDA is not okay, with 57% going so far as to say public displays of affection should be banned.

That segment clearly does not include young adults, who are much less likely to keep a workplace romance private, and also five times more likely to post their romance status on Facebook. Sheesh … kids today.

Half (51%) of younger workers aged 18-29 see a workplace romance as having positive effects, with the top positive effect being achievement of higher social or professional status at work. Older Americans disagree, with 79% arguing there are no positive effects from entering into a workplace relationship. If there was a positive effect, older workers say that it would be a – ahem – healthier work-life balance. Is that what people are calling it these days?

For all the stats and such, I just have one question: In the big scheme of things, does it really matter if two employees date? I know all you pros who have had to deal with a workplace harassment claim will answer with a loud and definite, “YES!”

But for everyone else, is it that big of a deal? I’m all for having appropriate policies in place to make sure the lovebirds and their coworkers have to work in a culture of responsibility and accountability (as in, keep it off Facebook), but I think that’s enough. Right?

But perhaps not. Let me know what you think.