An article by Joanna L. Krotz titled "5 Rules for On-The-Job Romance" that appeared on Microsoft.Com listed possible rules that employers could implement in the workplace to deal with possible problems that may arise from the coupling of employees.

The rules include:

1. Brake for unequal status, and take action. "There's an inherent imbalance of power when a supervisor and a subordinate are involved," says Teresa Butler Stivarius, an Atlanta-based employment lawyer at Epstein Becker & Green. What to do when the relationship between a boss and an employee ends? "Remove the supervision," Stivarius says. Also, when the relationship begins, ask each partner to sign a statement saying the relationship is consensual and they agree to the policies you've set up.

2. Watch out for favoritism. Avoid any appearance of sex for favors, potentially a legally liable situation.

3. Short-circuit inappropriate behavior. Setting ground rules for romantically involved employees is the first step, says Arlene Vernon, a human resources consultant in Eden Prairie, Minn.

4. Avoid high school reruns. When employees breakup curb office gossip

5. Make your number 1 priority the customer and suppliers. If they are not comfortable with the work environment, make changes.