Dating in the workplace Pt:1

Is it really productive for an employee to engage in a romantic relationship with a coworker or even a boss?

The temptations are great and most of an employee’s time is spent on the job. After a while, almost anyone would begin to look appealing after spending that much time together.{{more}}

Succumbing to temptations on the job can be detrimental to your career. The stakes are just too high. The romance is never just between the two parties where the workplace is concerned. The entire office is involved as they often witness the affection and the arguments.

Romantic involvement often leads to favoritism in assignments, promotions, and schedules, especially when a supervisor and a subordinate are involved. This behavior sets fuel to the fire of low morale among other employees, encourages low productivity and anger in the workplace. It’s hard for some workplace lovers to keep their hands to themselves and many find it exciting to steal a few romantic exchanges when they think no one is looking. That behavior of course is unprofessional and utterly classless, as you become a spectacle and an annoyance for your coworkers who are forced to see this behavior.

Unfortunately, when workplace relationships go sour the fallout can be devastating. Your employment is jeopardized and it becomes impossible to work with someone you no longer admire. Even though you remain employed, your reputation in the organization becomes tarnished, as you’re now the butt of many jokes and juicy material for the office gossip circles. It’s not unheard of for families to be destroyed in the process, as many office romances occur between adults already committed in marriages with children.

In the beginning, the relationship presents a false sense of happiness, excitement and even possible career advancement if a boss is involved. In reality, the majority of workplace romances are often short lived, empty and with negative career-long effects.

If you truly value your career and your partner, then consider limiting your interaction to outside the workplace. The rule of thumb is dating on the job is never a good idea so avoid it.

Strive to be respected always for your contribution to the company, enthusiasm for the job, the skills and talents you possess and your ability to bring out the best in others as it pertains to their job. These are the selling points that will ultimately yield a career that is productive and long lasting.

Next week we will discuss “office spouses.” You may not be dating someone on the job but do you have a coworker who you treat like a spouse without the physical intimacy? Tune in next week.

Karen Hinds President/CEO –
Workplace Success Group,
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775;
Tel: 1-203-757-4103
A CT Winner of the Make Mine a Million Dollar Business award!
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com