How (and How Not) to Handle an Office Romance

Office Romance
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Workplace romances can lead to long-term relationships—and even marriage—but they can also result in uncomfortable situations for the people involved as well as their co-workers. 

In the worst-case scenario, intertwining business and pleasure could result in an unplanned, unwanted job search, as people can get fired due to workplace relationships or be forced to resign because of a relationship gone wrong. 

That said, office romances do happen. Given how much time people spend at work, it's not so surprising that people may develop crushes or fall in love. 

Here's advice on how (and how not) to handle an office romance.

The Reality of Office Romance

A Viking study reports that 74% of UK office workers aged between 25 and 34 said they had been involved in an office romance. The majority of them would consider doing so again, even though they felt that it impacted work:

  • 53% would consider a relationship with a colleague in the future.
  • 29% have had a one-night stand with a co-worker.
  • 52% believe office romance decreases productivity and creativity.

Tips for Handling an Office Romance

If your new relationship involves a co-worker, make sure your office romance does not interfere with your career—or your significant other's.

Check the Company's Office Relationship Policies

Before you begin a relationship with a colleague (or as soon as possible after it commences) take a look at the company policies about dating co-workers. Many companies, large and small, have hard and fast rules against relationships developing between co-workers. If it is against the rules, you have to ask yourself: "Is it worth it?"

Even if relationships are allowed, be discreet and prepare for any consequences.

Depending on the company, your human resources department may need you to sign a contract, inform managers or co-workers, or follow other guidelines or rules.

Be Sure That the Relationship is a Good Idea 

Before entering into a relationship, make sure it's the real deal. Are you bonding over an intense project requiring late nights at work or shared frustration at a boss, or do you have a connection that extends beyond the office? Make sure you know the answer to that question before beginning a romantic relationship. 

Maintain Decorum and Professionalism

Don't let a romantic relationship affect the quality and efficiency of your work. Bottom line: You don't have to keep your relationship a secret, but you don't want to have it so on display that it makes your colleagues uncomfortable.

If there is evidence that an office romance is affecting work, one or both of you may be asked to end your romance or, worse yet, find another job.

 

Be aware that co-workers may be on the lookout for bias. You never want a co-worker to think, "Joanne is just agreeing with Jose's plan because they're dating." Avoid sitting next to each other in meetings, having lunch together daily, or acting in general as a unit. Also, do not send personal messages using your work email or chat client. 

Avoid Dating Someone in a Higher or Lower Position

Office politics and hierarchy should be top-of-mind, particularly when it comes to office romances. Choosing an entanglement with a co-worker—especially one at a different seniority level—could dramatically affect your salary or movement within your company.

Office relationships are particularly problematic if one partner manages or supervises the other.

Your best bet is to avoid dating people you regularly and routinely work with.

Save the Romance and PDA for Outside the Office

No matter how in love you feel, there should be no public displays of affection at work. Stick to the same professional behavior with your significant other at the workplace as you would have with any other co-worker. That means no holding hands, no kissing, no affectionate nicknames, and definitely no supply closet liaisons. 

Address Relationship Issues After Work

Never, ever fight or argue at work. Any personal disagreements should be dealt with outside the office. This is another sign that colleagues will notice, and it may cause suspicion that your relationship is affecting your work.

Have a Breakup Plan

Agree at the beginning of the relationship on how you will handle a potential breakup. Avoid a messy falling out. It isn't just you and your partner who are involved. It's your entire office and the future of the company's dating policy. 

If you do decide that either of you needs to move on, do it on your terms. Start a job search before you have to—and don't give your love life as a reason for leaving when you interview for your next role.

Consider Leaving the Company

You may decide that your new relationship is more important to you than your current job. If the relationship does get serious, one member should strongly consider a new position outside the company. That way, you can separate your career paths from the relationship. 

Key Takeaways

  • Be sure to review the company policies about dating co-workers.
  • Don't let a romantic relationship affect your work.
  • There should be no public displays of affection at work.
  • Decide at the start of the relationship how you will handle a breakup.