You might want to think twice about hooking up with a fellow co-worker, it may produce a complicated outcome for you if proper precautions aren't taken. Some companies are making sure that they aren't stuck with a big sexual harassment lawsuit, so many employers are creating a written policy known as a "love contract", stating two individuals consent to a romantic involvement. But is all that necessary? A poll run from Society for Human Resource Management revealed that 72% polled organizations did not have a formal written or verbal policy that addressed dating in the workplace. With such a big number of companies that aren't actually taking this measure, why are other employers enforcing a signed contract between two partners? Although it may seem unprofessional to let flings occur in the workplace, the truth of the matter is that it's natural for romance to develop between certain people if they are in constant interaction with one another. Since the involvement can affect the overall environment of the workplace, the contract is a way to block inappropriate behavior (public display of affection that may offend other workers), says Jeff Tanenbaum, chairman of the labor practice group at the law firm Nixon Peabody in San Francisco. As long as you're cautious and follow certain rules, I don't think it would be such a big deal to incorporate a little romance in the office. What do you think?

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