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| Photo by Ron Lach |
Wow, things have really changed since I started my first job in 1964. From that point on, I started to work for a temporary agency where I got to work at various companies. And even back then, there were rumors of co-workers engaging in romantic connections and/or extra-marital affairs. Some were obvious while others were subtle.
Office romance is an issue
that has been around for eons, and for good reasons. When people spend extended
hours together, sparks may begin to fly. Whether it is an elusive crush on a
coworker or a full-blown relationship, romance in the workplace is common then
it was sixty years ago, but it comes with its own set of complications, and advantages.
One of the biggest magnets
of office romance is convenience. You are already spending most of your day
with your colleagues, so getting to know someone feels natural. Shared
projects, coffee breaks, and after-work hangouts create plenty of opportunities
for a connection. Plus, there is something undeniably exciting about stolen
glances during meetings or quick chats by the water cooler.
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| Photo by Ketut Subiyanto |
However, dating a
coworker is not all wine and roses. Office affairs can get messy if things go
south. Awkward encounters in the break room, office gossip. Even professional
conflicts can turn a sweet romance into a professional headache and may lead to
sexual harassment complaints. This is why many firms have policies about
relationships on the job. Some companies even require employees to disclose
their romantic relationship to Human Resource.
If you are considering a
romance in the workplace, it is smart to think ahead. Keep things professional
during work hours to avoid making others uncomfortable. Be mindful of power undercurrents,
especially if one person is in a higher position than the other. And if things do
not work out, manage the breakup with maturity to keep the work environment
drama-free.
