One of the biggest reasons employers tend to discourage interoffice affairs is because they generate gossip—and gossip wastes time and fosters distrust and dissatisfaction. Even those who are not dating superiors become subject to accusations of favoritism from co-workers when it comes to promotions, restructuring of teams, or financial bonuses. They become easy targets for those colleagues inclined to use office gossip as a means to undermine, or get ahead themselves. I t is for these reasons that most employers discourage or in some cases prohibit office relationships.
However, in the modern workplace, it is not uncommon to find colleagues who are romantically involved. Richard Branson, entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group says, “Work, after all, is the place where many people spend more than a third of their lives, and it’s possibly one of the best places where employees can find a potential mate who shares similar life goals and attitudes.” As a matter of fact, two of my good friends met their spouses at the workplace and I know a former colleague whose wife used to be an intern at our office back then!
If ever you consider getting romantically involved with a colleague, here are 7 guidelines you should keep in mind:
1. Know company policy
This is the most important point. Before launching into an office romance, know the company’s policies regarding office relationships. Some companies have rules against it.the decision about whether to pursue it should depend upon the impact it could have on your career, your co-workers and your responsibilities. If relationships are forbidden, you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it.
Check your company policy to know whether office romance is banned
If it is, be discreet and prepare for any consequences. If it’s not against the rules, evaluate whether your company’s corporate climate is generally accepting or looks down upon such relationships.
2. Weigh the risks
Weigh the benefits of getting involved with a workmate against the potential career risks. Ask yourself whether your current job is less important to you than finding a life partner or whether your job is an important stepping stone in your career path that you aren’t willing to risk. Choose your priorities wisely
The decision about whether to pursue it should depend upon the impact it could have on your career, your co-workers and your responsibilities.
3. Maintain decorum and professionalism
If you decide to go for it, then as much as possible keep your social and business lives totally separate. Don’t let a romantic relationship affect the quality and efficiency of your work.
If there’s evidence that your office romance is affecting your work, recognize that you may be asked to end your romance or maybe find another job. I repeat, choose your priorities wisely.
4. Stay in your hierarchy
Avoid dating someone in a higher or lower position. Office politics and hierarchy should concern you. Choosing to get involved with someone at a different seniority level could dramatically affect your salary or movement within the company.
While it is not at all surprising that two people who work closely might fall in love, one should not report to the other. Avoid unwanted scrutiny and drama by avoiding dating those with whom you regularly work.
5. No PDA at work
Do I even need to say this? Save the romance for out of the office. Absolutely no public displays of affection at work. Maintain proper distance.
Avoid public displays of affection at the work place
Keep in mind that in today’s world of blogging, YouTube, Google and Whatsapp, the line between public and private is increasingly getting blurred. Becoming a target of office gossip on such platforms or elsewhere could damage your career advancement and job security.
Obviously, you should keep your romance off official channels of communication. Do not use corporate e-mails or other corporate systems to send private messages. One mistake might broadcast to the whole company things that are much better kept between the two of you!
6. Plan for the worst
I don’t mean to be a party pooper but agree in the beginning of the relationship how you will handle a potential break-up. A messy break-up affects you, your partner, and perhaps the entire office.
You also need to consider another possible and quite serious result of a breakup, especially if there’s a difference in rank between the two individuals involved. What if one party claims sexual harassment and considers a lawsuit?
7. Consider leaving the company
If the relationship does get serious, one member should consider a new position outside the company or if possible organize with the company to be transferred to another branch. Some physical distance may be good for everyone!
After all is said and done, it is up to you to choose whether a romantic relationship with a workmate is good for your career or not. Weigh your options wisely!