Today, during my 2-Day Internal Investigation Certificate Program, we were covering a topic that always sparks lively discussionāāLove Agreements,ā also known as consensual relationship agreements. These agreements are designed to protect the company and the individuals involved when coworkers choose to date. As I was walking my participants through best practices and legal implications, a story came to mindāone that reminds us that HR is never short of surprises, plot twists, or romance.
A few years ago, one of my HR participants shared a story that had everyone in the room wide-eyed and laughing. She had to terminate an employee due to performance issues. It was a standard terminationānothing hostile, just business. Fast forward two years, she ran into the same man in a completely unrelated setting. He approached her and asked, āDo you remember me? You terminated me about two years ago.ā They laughed, started talking, and to make a long story short, that casual encounter led to friendshipā¦ then datingā¦ then marriage. Today, they have two beautiful children together.
This story is not just heartwarmingāitās a perfect example of the unexpected human side of HR. Weāre trained to handle situations with objectivity and professionalism, and yet, life always finds a way to weave in humanity. When we talk about boundaries and ethicsāespecially in topics like workplace romanceāwe also have to remember that life doesnāt always follow policy manuals. People grow, evolve, and sometimes, love blooms from the most unlikely beginningsāeven from a termination meeting.
Of course, this doesnāt mean we toss out the rulebook. We still need to implement proper documentation, handle investigations thoroughly, and ensure love agreements are in place when needed. But stories like this are a beautiful reminder that every interaction we have as HR professionals can leave a lasting imprint. Whether weāre guiding someone through conflict resolution or handing over a final paycheck, weāre participating in stories that donāt always end where we think they will.
Elga Lejarza
Founder & CEO
