Is It Smart to Get Involved in an Office Romance?
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Office Romance Is On The Rise
It seems that romance between coworkers is an unavoidable fact of life in the workplace. Studies show that nearly half of workers have been involved in an office romance of some sort.
Many professionals believe that the office is a normal and likely place to meet a significant other. With at least a quarter of each weekday spent at work, there's plenty of time to get to know another coworker personally, and less time to meet others outside the workplace.
Couple this with the fact that coworkers usually share similar professional backgrounds, education and interests, and romance in the office is practically inevitable.
Getting involved with a coworker may not have the same negative stigma attached as in our previous generation. Once frowned upon, it's now more and more common to see couples working together side by side. If handled right, it may actually strengthen a relationship.
However, in most cases, the cons to an office relationship can outweigh the pros. A relationship can put a lot of strain on workplace performance, which can in turn have an affect on the relationship.
Approximately one quarter of office flings result in long-term relationships or marriage. That means that nearly three quarters of workplace romances end-- and the chances that these relationships end poorly is better than average.
At one point many companies tried to ban their employees from dating and having relationships. Companies advised against relationships in the office at all costs. This idea has since changed because of the legal implications involved and a recognition of the inevitable.
If you're already dating or are thinking of starting a relationship with a coworker, it may be a good idea to understand how your company deals with office romance.
Many professionals believe that the office is a normal and likely place to meet a significant other. With at least a quarter of each weekday spent at work, there's plenty of time to get to know another coworker personally, and less time to meet others outside the workplace.
Couple this with the fact that coworkers usually share similar professional backgrounds, education and interests, and romance in the office is practically inevitable.
Getting involved with a coworker may not have the same negative stigma attached as in our previous generation. Once frowned upon, it's now more and more common to see couples working together side by side. If handled right, it may actually strengthen a relationship.
However, in most cases, the cons to an office relationship can outweigh the pros. A relationship can put a lot of strain on workplace performance, which can in turn have an affect on the relationship.
Approximately one quarter of office flings result in long-term relationships or marriage. That means that nearly three quarters of workplace romances end-- and the chances that these relationships end poorly is better than average.
At one point many companies tried to ban their employees from dating and having relationships. Companies advised against relationships in the office at all costs. This idea has since changed because of the legal implications involved and a recognition of the inevitable.
If you're already dating or are thinking of starting a relationship with a coworker, it may be a good idea to understand how your company deals with office romance.
A Practical Guide to Office Relationships
Have You Ever Initiated an Office Romance?
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Office Romance: Good or Bad?
Hollywood portrays a more glamorous side of office romance-- Demi Moore and Michael Douglas in Disclosure, or Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones' Diary. These Hollywood takes on the workplace affair may not always end happily ever after, but they sure make the ordeal of an office fling look appealing when it can be summed up in a two hour show.
The reality of dating a coworker may be quite different. A number of problems can occur, both in the relationship and in each individual's professional life.
Getting involved with the boss is the biggest office dating no-no. If you start dating your boss, something bad is almost bound to happen. Others in the company may make accusations of favoritism or special treatment.
What happens if you break up with your boss, and the break-up is on bad terms? Not only could this hinder you from moving up in the company, in the worst-case scenario, it could cost you your job.
A romance in the office can work, but there are a few things you'll want to consider before jumping into an office affair.
Are you mature enough to get over it and move on if the relationship goes sour? What if everything is smooth for the first few months of dating, but then you break things off? Can you handle seeing your ex's face everyday and continue to work together productively?
If you work in a large company and don't run into your significant other much during the day or if you work in different departments, a relationship at work may be more manageable.
Just make sure both you and your partner understand the policies of you company, and discuss the risks up front.
The reality of dating a coworker may be quite different. A number of problems can occur, both in the relationship and in each individual's professional life.
Getting involved with the boss is the biggest office dating no-no. If you start dating your boss, something bad is almost bound to happen. Others in the company may make accusations of favoritism or special treatment.
What happens if you break up with your boss, and the break-up is on bad terms? Not only could this hinder you from moving up in the company, in the worst-case scenario, it could cost you your job.
A romance in the office can work, but there are a few things you'll want to consider before jumping into an office affair.
Are you mature enough to get over it and move on if the relationship goes sour? What if everything is smooth for the first few months of dating, but then you break things off? Can you handle seeing your ex's face everyday and continue to work together productively?
If you work in a large company and don't run into your significant other much during the day or if you work in different departments, a relationship at work may be more manageable.
Just make sure both you and your partner understand the policies of you company, and discuss the risks up front.
What's Your Office's Policy on Romance in the Workplace?
Most companies do not have an explicit policy against office romance. Legalities and lawsuits have deterred companies from trying to police the affairs and personal lives of their employees.
Besides, most companies have become wise to the fact that as all genders and orientations are becoming well-represented in the workplace, relationships and affairs are inevitable.
However, most companies do have some sort of policy regarding supervisors having a relationship with employees that are lower on the totem pole. This kind of relationship could lead to harassment or bribery for increased salary and the like.
Some companies have unofficial or unenforced rules about inter-office dating. It may be frowned upon, but it won't get you fired.
If you're dating a coworker, it's probably in your best interest to keep displays of affection away from the office. Your boss may be aware that something is going on, but as long as it stays out of the office you shouldn't have a problem.
It might be a good idea to be open about the relationship. Consider letting your boss know, rather than trying to sneak around and risk running into problems or jeopardizing your job.
Above all, before you get involved with a co-worker, make sure you have a clear understanding of your company's policies on romance in the office.
Besides, most companies have become wise to the fact that as all genders and orientations are becoming well-represented in the workplace, relationships and affairs are inevitable.
However, most companies do have some sort of policy regarding supervisors having a relationship with employees that are lower on the totem pole. This kind of relationship could lead to harassment or bribery for increased salary and the like.
Some companies have unofficial or unenforced rules about inter-office dating. It may be frowned upon, but it won't get you fired.
If you're dating a coworker, it's probably in your best interest to keep displays of affection away from the office. Your boss may be aware that something is going on, but as long as it stays out of the office you shouldn't have a problem.
It might be a good idea to be open about the relationship. Consider letting your boss know, rather than trying to sneak around and risk running into problems or jeopardizing your job.
Above all, before you get involved with a co-worker, make sure you have a clear understanding of your company's policies on romance in the office.
Going Against Office Policy
Signs That Your Coworker May Have an Interest in You
What if you notice that someone in the office has been flirting or acts interested in you? How can you tell for sure?
Maybe those conversations around the water cooler have gotten a little longer and more personal. You start to notice a wandering gaze from across the cubicle.
Men, obviously, tend to be a little more straightforward with their feelings of affection. You'll notice more attention than he used to give, if he doesn't just come right out and bluntly ask you on a date.
A woman might be a bit more elusive and coy about her inter-office flirtation. She might try to give you a few clues, but these can be hard to catch.
So, what are some major signs that your coworker is into you? He or she may give you special attention such as buying you lunch or doing work-related favors. Conversations will become more personal, and he or she will probably ask about your life outside of work.
Keep in mind that many people are careful about showing their interest in the workplace. Because of sexual harassment policies, it's not worth the risk of getting suspended or fired from the job.
If you think a coworker is interested in you, and the feelings are mutual, it's a good idea to get together outside of the office. Once you're in a casual environment, your coworker may be more comfortable opening up and expressing his or her feelings.
On a final note, if your boss has been taking a special interest in you, make sure his or her motivations are pure-- and even then, think long and hard about getting involved. If your boss offers you a promotion or other rewards in exchange for sex, you should report this inappropriate behavior.
Maybe those conversations around the water cooler have gotten a little longer and more personal. You start to notice a wandering gaze from across the cubicle.
Men, obviously, tend to be a little more straightforward with their feelings of affection. You'll notice more attention than he used to give, if he doesn't just come right out and bluntly ask you on a date.
A woman might be a bit more elusive and coy about her inter-office flirtation. She might try to give you a few clues, but these can be hard to catch.
So, what are some major signs that your coworker is into you? He or she may give you special attention such as buying you lunch or doing work-related favors. Conversations will become more personal, and he or she will probably ask about your life outside of work.
Keep in mind that many people are careful about showing their interest in the workplace. Because of sexual harassment policies, it's not worth the risk of getting suspended or fired from the job.
If you think a coworker is interested in you, and the feelings are mutual, it's a good idea to get together outside of the office. Once you're in a casual environment, your coworker may be more comfortable opening up and expressing his or her feelings.
On a final note, if your boss has been taking a special interest in you, make sure his or her motivations are pure-- and even then, think long and hard about getting involved. If your boss offers you a promotion or other rewards in exchange for sex, you should report this inappropriate behavior.
The Wicked Ways of Office Romance!
Office Romance Stories? Leave Comments!
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BizGuides
Jun 1, 2008 @ 7:40 pm | delete
- Hello TROUBLE!!! It never works out.
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happy-jack Apr 8, 2008 @ 6:56 pm | delete
- My wife is the only on that
will work with me, but after
this lens looks like the end
for us.
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