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The art of Office Romance

Many married couples today met at their workplace and yet dating someone in the office is often frowned upon. Office romances are often complicated, challenging and sometimes taboo.

Some companies even have explicit policies against it. So what if you and a colleague have been flirting and might want to explore a relationship?

A big corporate organization gives you, an excellent access to a pool of nubile young females as single as you are.

“You spend a tremendous amount of time at work and, if you put people in close proximity, working together, having open, vulnerable conversations, there’s a good chance there are going to be romantic relationships,” said a professor of psychology and marketing at the University of Texas at Austin to Harvard Business Review.

But are office romances safe? You know they aren’t.

 The risks that comes with office romance

Office romance is not risk free and comes with its fair share of risks. For instance there’s the chance that the relationship won’t work out and that there will be hurt feelings on one or both sides. There are also potential conflicts of interest. 

For example if you are say Head of Department and dating one of the staff under you, do you put the team’s or the individual’s interests first?

Some colleagues may also think you are giving your romantic partner preferential treatment or vice versa. If on the other hand you have a relationship with someone higher up in the organization some colleagues can use it to argue that is why you’re succeeding and not based on sheer hard work and talents.

How to play it safe

The first step is to know your company’s policies. Many companies prohibit employees from dating coworkers, vendors, customers, or suppliers, or require specific disclosures, so be sure to investigate before you start a relationship.

Here are some tips on how to have a office romance without getting caught

Obey company policies

Every company has its own policy regarding workplace fraternization. But no matter how strict, you can still bypass the rules if you are careful. If your company is strict about office coupling, make sure that you and the girl don’t indulge in any public displays of affection, such as hand-holding or caressing.

Do NOT have sex at the workplace

Workplaces are not bedrooms so don’t turn it into one. You can fantasies all you want, and even use it as role play to spice up your sex at home but getting caught with your pants down, with your secretary down on you won’t do your career good. There are too many risks involved.

Steer clear from your boss and your direct reports

It’s best not to date your managers or subordinates. For example, it’s hard to be objective when giving someone you’re dating a performance review.

Don’t ask for work-related favors from your sweetie, such as promotions, bigger office, free “business” lunches, or fancy office supplies. Co-workers can be extremely observant and sensitive to such special treatment, and this may get you and your sweetheart in trouble with your HR department.

Don’t hit on the new employee just yet

If you have just been employed in a new company and in your first week you noticed this sexy, thick and hot colleague, don’t hit on her on the spot, this is a rookie mistake. 

Curb your enthusiasm to approach the one hot team member for a casual coffee. During the first few months, be at your best behavior.  Slowly with time you will know her better, know who is dating her etc. You may be surprised to know that the big boss is fucking her and you don’t want to lose your job, just after getting one, do you.

Don’t bring your personal problems to your workplace

Office romances do often turn sour so it’s important not to bring your personal problems to your workplace, and turn a personal disagreement into an office conflict. It only causes chaos when you add the emotions and tensions of romantic relationships into your professional relationship. Doing this will only lead to one thing, both of you being fired.

Don’t use office facilities to communication with your lover

You need to separate your fling from your professional work. Avoid using all official communication channels to communicate with your office girlfriend/boyfriend. Doing this is courting disaster since most corporate communication channels are heavily monitored and most data is saved so you don’t want to also leave incriminating evidence all over. Instead use social media channels such as Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Tiktok etc. 

Don’t get too clingy

Keep it realistic. If you are dating the office flirt, keep your relationship casual and don’t get emotionally attached. Stay cordial after the breakup. You will be forced to interact with her on a regular basis. A bitter end may affect your workday.

BottomLine

Before you approach your co-worker, ask yourself what’s more important – your career or your emotional needs. 

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