Is it a good idea to get involved with someone that you work with? It depends on whom you ask. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management shows that nearly 75% of people working in human resources who were surveyed, report no regulations against workplace romance. Okay, so it isn’t disallowed, but does that mean it’s a good idea?
Some people believe it is. If you work in another office, on another floor, or in a different department than your love interest, it may be a great way to meet more people in your company and learn more about different departments. Another benefit is that it puts some space between you and the person you are interested in, which is smart for several reasons. For one thing, the two of you won’t be tempted to be lest than productive because you’re too busy gazing into each other’s eyes. For another, if it doesn’t work out, you don’t have to sit across the same office or the hall from the other person.
Those who don’t particularly like the idea feel that it is a distraction from performance and fear that personal issues may become office gossip. A bad break up may even lead to office wide problems, as co-workers are tempted to take sides. It may also lead to one party leaving the company, causing the employer to lose a valued employee. Keeping things in perspective is important if you’re considering an office romance.
It is true that many couples actually meet at work. After all, most full time employees spend the majority of their waking hours in the workplace. It makes sense that people will grow close to each other when spending so much time together, and it may very well work out. A good percentage of workplace romances lead to marriage.
Keep these things in mind:
- Be professional and deal with private issues outside of work
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Do not abuse company time making phone calls or writing emails to the one you’re dating
- Avoid getting co-workers involved in the intimate details
- Avoid scandal that could be harmful to your company (dating married co-workers or supervisors is not recommended)