So I’m wondering what are most people’s thoughts about romance in the workplace? Is it okay or not a great idea? And does it depend on the working relationship of the couple involved?
I can very easily understand why people get involved with their coworkers. You spend a lot of time working with them and getting to know them. In many cases you could be spending more time with your coworker than you spouse. But are there workplace romance rules?
Let’s say that you start a workplace romance, how do you handle it? Do you let your supervisor know? What if it is your supervisor you’ve gotten involved with? Who do you inform and when? Do you let human resources know so a sexual harassment suit can’t be brought about by either party? And how far into the relationship is it essential to being honest? Dating, engagement, or marriage?
But what happens if your relationship goes sour? Are you ready for the potential repercussions? Do you discuss what to do if you end the relationship? Does one person have to leave the company or switch departments? I wonder how many people have workplace relationships and do most end in marriage or not.
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8 responses so far ↓
1 anonymous // Aug 21, 2008 at 10:52 am
Well, I have been in one, and it ended badly. Seperation is never mature and then people concerned too behave oddly.
But it doesn’t means relationship at first place was wrong. I guess if people behave oddly, that is there problem.
Infact, I can tell you one positive point, you spend huge time in workplace, so that gives you good time for relationship too, I mean of course if you can synchronize the breaks and all, but make sure that other person is really worth of it.
2 Meg // Aug 21, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Lots of people in my company have met and dated and ultimately wed. I’m not aware of any situations where people dated and then there was a problem, though. The biggest problem would probably be awkwardness for the couple themselves post-breakup.
I think it depends on the company policy, the company culture, and the situation (i.e. whether you are in separate departments, in direct competition at work, reporting to one another…).
It also depends on what type of relationship you’re talking about. “Hooking-up” with various co-workers, or even one, can really affect your reputation and you have to be prepared for that. Although I must admit there are certain people I work with that I wouldn’t mind getting a little too tipsy with at the Christmas party this year…
3 JB // Aug 21, 2008 at 2:46 pm
@Meg - ha ha!!
I don’t know the answer to this either. In my company I know there are several couples that are married… but they usually work in different areas. I’m not sure if the company split them up after they found out they were together or if they split themselves up after a certain point in the relationship.
4 chris // Aug 21, 2008 at 3:14 pm
As someone who met their current spouse at the workplace, I can say it works……but I have known some that have blown up badly.
While we didn’t hide anything although we kept it low key. Since it was a small place, we took extra care not to be seen together too much. And discussed what would happen if the wheels fell off so we could still work together even if the romance ended.
5 devil // Aug 21, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I voted no. I’ve seen my share of the drama that ensues with workplace affairs and, in most cases, nothing good comes out of them. Yeah, yeah, there are exceptions, but they’re very unusual (that’s why they’re exceptional).
People ALWAYS find out, even if you’re very, very careful. Even when you think your co-workers don’t know…trust me, they do.
The consequences aren’t as harsh for men. Women really pay a high price for workplace romance, even if the relationship lasts. There’s still a terrible double standard out there.
I don’t get it anyway - the world is a big place with many people. Why limit yourself to the people you’re gonna see every day at work anyway? Why not expand your social circle?
6 LAL // Aug 21, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I have no idea what the consensus would be. I work with married couples, but many come get hired married so it’s a different story. Versus really meeting and getting married.
7 Andy // Sep 3, 2008 at 10:56 am
Great question (nay for me). Also wanted to let you know this post was included in the 28th edition of the money hacks carnival.
Carnival of Twenty Something Finances 9/8 Edition | Bargain Briana - Sep 8, 2008
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