Does the girl or guy in the next cubicle start looking terribly attractive? Perhaps she would like to strike up something more than the usual office friendship, if so what should she do and how should she do it? Before you take your first step, think about it a bit. If you decide to pursue her interest, you may be jeopardizing your love life and her career. On the other hand, if all goes well, your job performance may improve and your personal life may improve.
It’s not unusual for people in today’s workplace to find their spouse or partner at the office. According to the American Management Association, nearly half (49% to be exact) of office romances end in marriage or a significant long-term relationship. After all, most people spend more time in the workplace than anywhere else. If you choose to make a romantic move, be smart and know the rules.
Know the company policy. Some companies have strict policies against dating co-workers; others just ignore it. Others even encourage it.
Although most organizations do not want to pry into the private lives of their employees, the shadow of sexual harassment hangs over them. And it is never wise to date someone who is your supervisor or reports to you.
Set ground rules. Discuss up front how you plan to handle the relationship at the office and what you will do if things don’t work out. While that requires a level of maturity and discipline that is often hard to come by, do it if you both want to keep your job. Don’t risk your career for a romance that might not work out. Approach with caution.
Consider the effect on your job performance. Being in love can be distracting. If your focus at work is on the object of your affection and not on your work, you are putting your career at risk. Don’t spend any more time in the copy room or water cooler than you normally would. On the other hand, job performance could improve when you try to impress that other person.
Be discreet and professional. It’s never a good idea to discuss your romantic relationships with coworkers, so keep the details to yourself. People will talk. There is no subject more fascinating than office gossip.
A few additional words of caution about office romance:
Observe the one year rule of workplace dating. Gradually become close friends with a coworker. Start by keeping your interaction casual. This is definitely not the time to go crazy right from the start.
Be especially cautious if you’re new to the job, whether you’re being searched or searched. Because you are a new employee, you will be under extra scrutiny. Your boss and co-workers will be keeping a close eye on you and watching your professional demeanor.
Be careful with email. Remember that email is like the newspaper. Anyone can read it, and anyone can. Before you hit “send,” make sure what you’re sending is as professional as you want it to appear.
Stay away from Facebook and other social networking sites to post the details of your new love. That’s where people go first when they want to intrude and spy.
Office romances can be fun and successful. However, take the appropriate steps to ensure that the relationship lasts without interfering in the workplace. The wise couple is careful that any interaction in the office is purely professional. It’s a matter of having your career and dating it too.
Here’s to finding love in all the right places!
© 2014, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. Reprints are welcome as long as the article and byline remain intact and all links are active.