An Employee Guide: VALENTINE’S DAY Dos and Don’ts

February 13, 2019

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day - a day filled with love, happiness, and potential sexual harassment claims. Many HR professionals believe that claims of sexual harassment increase on Valentine’s Day.  It appears that some employees tend to forget that sexual harassment rules and policies still apply, even on February 14th.  So here are a few simple recommendations for employees on Valentine’s Day:

• (1) Hugging and Flirting with Co-Workers is Still Off Limits.  Even though its February 14th, rules prohibiting unwanted physical contact still apply.  A hug, squeeze on the shoulder, or even a pat on the back can be viewed as unwanted physical contact by a colleague.  I once had a person tell me that they only flirted with co-workers on Valentine’s Day, therefore, it wasn’t sexual harassment.  Not surprisingly, they soon learned that this was not the case.  Valentine’s Day is never a free pass to speak or act inappropriately towards co-workers.  
• (2) Forget the Cards and Presents.  On Valentine’s Day, cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts are commonly viewed as romantic gestures.  It's best to avoid giving presents to co-workers.  Supervisors should be especially careful.  Sending a Valentine’s Day card, e-mail or gift to a subordinate can make them feel uncomfortable.  Some may even feel that you are making sexual overtures towards them.
• (3) Give a Group Gift.  If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day at work, we recommend giving a group gift.  Putting a box of cookies in the office kitchen lets everyone know you appreciate them and does not single out one or two individuals.
• (4) Be Cognizant of your Co-workers.  Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday.  Many of your co-workers may be single, divorced or widowed.  Please be respectful to them.  Ask your partner not to send you flowers at work.  Don’t go flaunting your romantic evening plans to your fellow co-workers.  Let Valentine’s Day be just another day at the office.
• (5) Apologize.  Remember to be sensitive to the people around you.  Actions that may seem innocent to you may make others uncomfortable.  If you feel you have upset someone, apologize to them.  

Ultimately, it is always best to keep all verbal and physical expressions of affection outside of the office no matter what day of the year it happens to be.  So go ahead and celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other and loved ones – just do it outside the workplace.