Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Romantic relationships are not uncommon in the workplace today, but mixing work and romance can leave employers in a complicated legal position. In addition to hurt feelings and bruised egos, Colorado employers may be liable under state or federal anti-discrimination laws. When the intimate relationship has run its course, but the employment relationship hasn't, an employer in this context should tread carefully.

If things have become uncomfortable, awkward or unproductive, can the employer separate one or both of the employees who were involved in the relationship? In Angel v. Rayl, 2005 WL 6208024, two co-workers, one of them the owner of the business, embarked upon what the employee acknowledged was, initially at least, a consensual, intimate affair. Later, the employee terminated the romantic relationship. After the termination of the affair, the plaintiff met with the employer and the employer's wife. The employer's wife indicated that she was fully advised as