When you work long hours and barely have time to date, it’s no surprise that you could fall for a coworker. You could rationalize that the relationship makes sense because you both know each other and have mutual interests. However, there are real risks when striking up a relationship in an office setting. And those risks could damage your current job as well as future job opportunities.
Romance vs. Reality
An interoffice romance can seem exciting at first as the relationship is getting started. But, the infatuation will fade in time and then you have to begin to deal with the logistics of the relationship. Your company may have a policy against dating in the workplace. Your coworkers may begin to resent your relationship or you become the center of office gossip. Also, you or your partner may move on to another job opportunity outside the company.
One Promotion Later…
Let’s say you become involved with someone in your department, and you receive a promotion. Now you’re in a relationship with your subordinate. And what happens when it comes to conducting reviews and disciplining your honey? You get the picture.
Harassment Possibilities
If your relationship ends badly, will your ex-love tell HR you were making unwanted advances? Think about how a harassment suit will impact your career.
If you truly care about the individual, you need to have a conversation together and discuss the pros and cons of the relationship first. My suggestion would be to go to your boss and HR director as soon as possible and be truthful about the relationship if you both decide to pursue it. It’s always better to be upfront with your company then for them to find out from “the watercooler” talk.
These are the kinds of issues and policies that I help organizations strategize and execute for their employees. Click here to see our list of services that we can perform on behalf of your company.