However, because such relationships may lead to problems that could affect employees' job performance, many organizations do have rules about inter-office dating. Some organizations don't tolerate inter-office relationships, while some try to discourage them. Others freely allow inter-office relationships or treat them on a case-by-case basis. If your organization has such a policy, now is the time to discuss it.

There are several important issues you should remember concerning inter-office relationships:

1. Inter-office relationships must be voluntary on both sides.
   Supervisors make decisions that affect the lives of their subordinates. This power may create relationships where the members of the couple do not stand on equal footing. To avoid any chance that employees are pressured by a supervisor into relationships that they don't want, your organization may transfer supervisory authority over the subordinate to another individual when a subordinate and supervisor are involved in an inter-office relationship.

2. No employee may be forced into a relationship to obtain or keep job benefits. If you are being asked to do so – step forward.

3. There must be no perception of favoritism based on gender or sexual favors.
   Even where a relationship between a supervisor and subordinate is voluntary, it may create problems with other employees. If favoritism based on providing sexual favors is widespread, it could create the impression that individuals receive benefits because they are sexual "play things." Such an environment may be humiliating and intimidating. In fact, such behavior could cause an unlawful hostile environment. If you witness this happening – step forward.