In December, we blogged about the holidays and religion in the workplace and what holiday decorations and events were acceptable and could be enjoyed by all of your employees. Now what about that infamous holiday coming up on February 14? How do workplaces handle a Hallmark holiday celebrating love, when celebrating can become an unspoken competition amongst employees as to who is receiving the best deliveries that day? And what about those pesky office romances? Here are a few tips from our HR pros @Peoplescape on how to walk the fine line on Love Day this year!

1. Keep it professional.
2. Organize a potluck – everyone loves an opportunity to share their favorite dish and snack on a variety of treats throughout the day.
3. Send friendly cards to your co-workers, recognizing that not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day or has the same lovey dovey feeling about the holiday that you might.
4. Don’t be a showoff! I’m sure your co-workers are thrilled that your new boyfriend sent three dozen roses to your office. But don’t make them hate you for it. Be humble and people will be gracious in return.
5. Don’t be a Debbie Downer ~ on the flip side of the showoff is the office DD. Don’t be that person. Let everyone enjoy their moment in the sun, even if you have your own less than cheery opinions on this Hallmark holiday.
6. Bring in sweets for your co-workers, just make sure you have enough for the whole team and don’t exclude anyone that you know has certain dietary restrictions.
7. Plan your own Valentine’s Day with your loved one at home, not at work. Seeing you book a hotel or romantic dinner while on the clock will irritate your less-than-thrilled-with-love co-workers.
8. Keep your office romance OUT of the office – PDA is not something that belongs in the workplace, ever.
9. Don’t ask the lady across the cubicle why her husband didn’t send flowers this year when he sent that huge bouquet last year. Just don’t do it.
10. Organize a fun dinner for the singles in your office to give everyone a reason to smile this February 14th!

Bottom line: Keep it classy, and keep it fun! Days like Valentine’s are hard to ignore from the grocery store to the guy on the corner selling roses to the giant chocolate-covered fruit on display that was delivered to the new receptionist.  Making one wrong step in the office on February 14th will make your eight hours there feel like an eternity. So stay away from the drama, smile, and make plans that you can look forward to so that the day doesn’t take away from your work or make you the sour apple in your workplace. #valentinesday2016 #workplaceromance