If you look at Valentines’ Day through rose-colored glasses everything looks pretty darn rosy. Flowers arrive on desks and depending upon the color the recipient has a good idea where the relationship is going. Heart shaped sugar cookies and chocolate are consumed with reckless abandon as the person eating the confectionery delights revel in shots of sugar. Added health benefits abound because chocolate is generously laced with flavinoids, which will save our brains for future generations. Everyone is happy.

 

      Everyone that is except poor St. Valentine. Poor St. Valentine, as the legend says defied a decree from the ruling authorities that prohibited soldiers from marrying. Apparently the king wanted his soldiers to focus on conquering countries, not hearts. Not seeing this as fair, St. Valentine performed marriage ceremonies in secret, late at night. You can imagine where this story is going? Glasses off.

 

      Poor St. Valentine was caught, imprisoned for his dastardly deeds and sentenced to death. While in prison St Valentine fell in love with one of the young women sent to tend him. After his death, his sweetheart opened a letter from St. Valentine. It read Love from your Valentine. Hmmmm.

 

      So, how does this story segue into employment law? Not as well as I would like, but it does remind me of the need to encourage clients to give focus and attention to the issue of proper business etiquette between co-workers, between supervisors and subordinates and between clients or customers and employees. For example, while flowers are great gifts during this time of year, it is important to discuss with employees policies about workplace relationships. While the vast majority of workplace relationships work well, the potential always exists for sexual harassment complaints to arise. Such complaints are costly for all parties involved.

 

      So, on Valentines’ Day, enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts expressing affection or love, but take some time to set those glasses down and review your policies on sexual harassment. It just might save you from a similar fate as poor St. Valentine.