And they say romance is dead

This Saturday is Valentine's Day, which means love is quite possibly in the air con. But how can HR ensure hearts and flowers do not give way to accusations of favouritism, atmospheres you could cut with a knife, and sexual harassment claims? Christiana Tollast finds out.

In today's long hours work culture, are office romances inevitable? Judith Germain, leadership consultant and MD of Dynamic Transitions Ltd, is in no doubt: "With people doing increasingly longer hours, then it is going to happen."

Jenny Ungless, life coach at Monster.co.uk, agrees that office romances are an accepted part of working life: "I would say a high proportion of people meet their partner at work, because that is where we meet a lot of people generally."

So what are the issues that organisations must guard against when it comes to romance or playful banter at work?

"Everyone likes a bit of fun and a bit of flirtation can sometimes come into that," says Ungless.