Workplace Romance: Does Cupid live in your cubicle?
It’s understandable why office romances flourish. Due to the lagging economy and the amount of time people are forced to spend working, where else is a couple able to meet? People who work together also live within a reasonable dating distance, and see each other on a daily basis. Also, dating co-workers seems safer, especially for women, because you have the opportunity to get to know one another. Consequently, more and more American’s are resorting to the fine art of multi-tasking and looking for love within the walls of the workplace.
Far from being harmful, many office romances can actually improve work performance. They add an enthusiasm and energy that translates into enhanced morale, communication, creativity and even productivity. Should these relationships evolve into long-term commitments, as often happens, companies will generally benefit from happier and more fulfilled employees. According to an online Spherion Workplace Snapshot survey that Harris Interactive conducted in January 2008, only 30 percent of 1,391 U.S. workers polled in 2008 think that dating a co-worker openly would hurt their job security or ability to advance, compared to 41 percent in 2007.
So it appears the key issue isn’t prohibiting workplace romances so much as managing them. It’s a good idea to first find out your company’s policy on inter-office dating. More often than not, supervisors are prohibited from having relationships with people who work under them. This is a breeding ground for sexual harassment claims. If you find yourself romantically involved with your supervisor, you should report the relationship immediately and request to be transferred to work with another supervisor.
Be up-front, open and honest
Secrecy can spur rumors… and rumors trigger juicy gossip! By being upfront with your employers and co-workers with your relationship, not only will you will deter the water cooler chit-chat but it will also relieve the stress that comes with keeping a big secret.
Don’t be too open!
Public displays of affection are strictly frowned upon in the work place. It is important to keep extracurricular activities out of the office. Just because you are honest about your relationship does not give you permission to host a public make-out session in the hallway. Keep it clean, professional and G-rated.
Inter-office relationships are an inevitable part of today’s workforce. If handled correctly, you can reduce your risk and focus on having a great time. Being in love is wonderful – take it from me. Once upon a time, I had an office romance. In fact, I married her... my wife, Emma Ploid. Good luck!
Far from being harmful, many office romances can actually improve work performance. They add an enthusiasm and energy that translates into enhanced morale, communication, creativity and even productivity. Should these relationships evolve into long-term commitments, as often happens, companies will generally benefit from happier and more fulfilled employees. According to an online Spherion Workplace Snapshot survey that Harris Interactive conducted in January 2008, only 30 percent of 1,391 U.S. workers polled in 2008 think that dating a co-worker openly would hurt their job security or ability to advance, compared to 41 percent in 2007.
So it appears the key issue isn’t prohibiting workplace romances so much as managing them. It’s a good idea to first find out your company’s policy on inter-office dating. More often than not, supervisors are prohibited from having relationships with people who work under them. This is a breeding ground for sexual harassment claims. If you find yourself romantically involved with your supervisor, you should report the relationship immediately and request to be transferred to work with another supervisor.
Be up-front, open and honest
Secrecy can spur rumors… and rumors trigger juicy gossip! By being upfront with your employers and co-workers with your relationship, not only will you will deter the water cooler chit-chat but it will also relieve the stress that comes with keeping a big secret.
Don’t be too open!
Public displays of affection are strictly frowned upon in the work place. It is important to keep extracurricular activities out of the office. Just because you are honest about your relationship does not give you permission to host a public make-out session in the hallway. Keep it clean, professional and G-rated.
Inter-office relationships are an inevitable part of today’s workforce. If handled correctly, you can reduce your risk and focus on having a great time. Being in love is wonderful – take it from me. Once upon a time, I had an office romance. In fact, I married her... my wife, Emma Ploid. Good luck!
Labels: real-world knowledge, relationships, work/life balance
Posted by Seymour Jobs on 2/13/2009 11:22:00 AM
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1 Comments:
Good advice, but I don't imagine being forced to interact with someone with whom you're romantically involved for a minimum of forty hours per week could possibly be conducive to the development of a healthy, fulfilling relationship. Different strokes, I suppose...