Office romances can often be difficult.

Maintaining professionalism is key whenever two coworkers start a relationship, and it is even more important should the romance end.

But before coworkers start to date, they should be sure of the legality of their relationship as policies differ from business to business.

“It really depends on the organization’s policy,” said Susan Lubinski, a professor in the professional studies department at Slippery Rock University.

Lubinski teaches a class focused on law and ethics in the workplace at SRU.

The work relationship of two interested coworkers is perhaps the biggest thing to consider before starting a romance.

“If it’s a superior to a subordinate, you’re going to have a lot of problems,” Lubinski said. “There can certainly be issues with favoritism in those situations.”

But even coworkers in different departments of an organization can face challenges.

Issues, such as displaying affection and a loss of focus on work, can negatively affect a business.

But the biggest issue with romance is if the relationship would happen to end.

“Any time a romance is over, it can create problems,” Lubinski said.

Many times the breakup of two people can affect an entire office.

“Work can become inefficient because people want to talk about it,” Lubinski said, adding a divided couple may also stress office friendships.

While a breakup can alter the social atmosphere of an office, legal issues may also arise and cause more trouble.

“If one person doesn’t want a relationship to be over and tries to ignite it, that could be deemed as sexual harassment,” Lubinski said.

Legal issues are a major concern when the relationship involves a boss and subordinate.

“That’s someone in power,” Lubinski said. “There could be retaliation against a person. The person may be fired wrongfully.”

One of the ways businesses can help deal with employee breakups is by sitting them down with human resources.

“Sometimes HR may call the parties in and explain there needs to be a professional atmosphere going forward,” Lubinski said.

Businesses can help themselves out by maintaining a detailed employee handbook.

“To minimize legal problems, you need employer policies to give fine boundaries,” Lubinski said.

Employee handbooks are documents outlining policies that an employee agrees to when hired.

While it is important for businesses to maintain and update a detailed employee handbook, it is not always done.

“I would assume bigger firms probably cleaned up their employee handbook, while smaller ones may not be very formalized,” Lubinski said.

Part of the handbook should include specific details on office romances.

“There’s the notorious love contract,” Lubinski said, referring to a document signed by two coworkers entering into a relationship. “It states that the relationship is voluntary, consentual and welcome.”

Lubinski said these type of agreements are the best way for individuals and businesses to protect themselves from possible issues stemming from a relationship.