Be Mine (Just don’t tell HR)

It’s almost that time of year.

No, not tax day, Valentine’s Day! (However, for some the day causes just as many groans.)

I personally am ambivalent to Valentine’s Day, although I do like chocolate, and I would absolutely never turn down diamonds (hint, hint, hint!).

Something tells me Bob in payroll has a thing for you…

OK, that’s a lie. All women like Valentine’s Day. I suspect even men enjoy it, despite all their grumblings about it being a Hallmark holiday and that all the restaurants are booked and the expectations are way too high. I mean, remember in elementary school when you got to spend a whole day painting a cereal box red and gluing doilies and passing out cards and candy to the entire class (with a special message to the boy or girl you had a crush on)? How could you not love the day?

Well, now we are all grown up (well, physically, anyway) and have to go to important-people jobs in important-people offices. Yet people still very much enjoy celebrating. I personally enjoy it when people bring in home-baked goodies such as pink cupcakes or brownies with hearts on them (for some reason it’s somehow harder to stick to a diet when the sweets are holiday-oriented).

Now, I’m sure bringing treats (especially if you bring enough for me–ahem–I mean for all the employees) is perfectly sanctioned by human resources. In fact, it’s probably encouraged that employees get to know each other and all that. But what about those treats frowned upon by human resources? You know what I’m talking about–wink, wink.

Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.

So what should you do if you’re dating a coworker? (And if you are, check out this article by Nicole Williams for some tips.) What is the proper Valentine’s Day work procedure? You’ll probably want to be subtle and not alienate your coworkers (or make them gag with your inter-office displays of affection and shmoopie-ness). Plus, if dating coworkers is a big no-no in your office, you don’t want to risk getting called into the human resources office for a stern talking-to–or worse!

Personally, I think you should follow the lead of your elementary-school self, and bring in treats for everyone instead of singling out your special honey bear. Your coworkers–and human resources–will be grateful for your discreetness. And for the snacks!

Jessica Livingston
Editor
jessica.livingston@e-bim.com