After I recently attended a wedding reception in honor of two Taleo employees who had found romance in the workplace, my inquisitive mind asked: “Is it only at Taleo that relationships are formed?”

So I did some research. According to a SHRM study released this year, 40% of people have been involved—at some point in their career—in a romance at work! Yes! 40%!

But all surprise aside, for most people, choosing a life partner is probably the most important decision in an adult life. After that, comes the choice of your career. And if working with someone helps to discover the fit compatibility between individuals for a life partnership, the same can be said for work attitude and skills.

Indeed, I often recommend that managers “test” their potential employees. Not only by using assessments, but also by letting them come into the organization as a temp or a contractor and then converting them into a full time employee – if they fit.

That is exactly what Taleo Contingent and Taleo Professional solutions enable organizations to do today. In the age of the growing free agent nation, that could end up as the best strategy for capturing rare talent.

P.S. According to the same survey, workplace romance is dropping the negative stigma that was associated with it in the past. And as long as the courtship and relationship proceed in a civilized, harassment-free, professional manner within HR guidelines and are aligned with organizational objectives, then why not? So who will be the next couple in your workplace?