WiLL LOve Work @ Work?

Studies reveal that work is one of the most common places couples meet.  In fact, four in ten of us admit to having been romantically linked to a co-worker. Personally, i don’t agree to the idea of having a lover at work. Yes, there are some who dared but what sucks is the  risk that office romance can wind up wreaking havoc on your career, potentially damaging your working relationships and reputation at the office. Moreover, the tendency of getting used to each other and eventually making your everyday companionship routinary and boring could make love  easily fade away.  Another thing,  what if you end up with a bad break up? How are you going to handle the situation seeing each other and working together 8 hours a day, 7 days a week? Moving on would be hard. You may end up losing your job as well. tsk..tsk..tsk..

Despite of the downfalls of office dating, many people have find their love at work and even end up marrying each other. So, if you’re into it. Take note of these do’s and dont’s in office dating:

Office Dating Do’s:

• Do take the practical approach to a potential attraction towards a co-worker. Make sure to review the policies of your employer before making a move. Just like any other move, make sure the benefits out weigh the risks. In other words, if company policy says no dating, don’t do it. If it’s not mentioned and it feels right to you, give it a shot.
• Do see the reality of the situation for what it is. Dating someone at work might not be an option for you. If no one else in your office is dating a co-worker there may be a reason for it. Don’t force things. If your interest is based solely on physicality, be careful.
• Do play it cool. Dating a co-worker can start a firestorm of tittle-tattle, controversy and water-cooler gossip, so it’s best to keep things quiet for as long as you can – or at least until you know if it’s serious. Even then, if you’re not ready for the weird looks, awkward smirks and whispers, then think again before asking that colleague out. Play it cool and don’t give people any excess reason to spread rumors.
• Do continue to do your work and keep up with your responsibilities. If you’re dating a higher up, you may not want to slack off and give your co-workers any reason for contempt or potential resentment. If you get promoted with the help of your office-mate, then keeping up with your productivity will be essential to keeping your reputation in-place amongst your co-workers.

Office Dating Don’ts:

• Don’t get involved with anyone who is, or could potentially be a subordinate. If someone reports to you, forget it. In fact, forget even thinking about it. The potentials and risk for a lawsuit and consequences are greater than the benefits. You’re better off thinking about handing in your letter of resignation before you ask your assistant out.
• Don’t be reckless. Showing your feelings and getting physical on the job might not be the best idea. The “h” word, i.e. harassment or even worse yet the “s.h.” word, as in sexual harassment can destroy everything you’ve worked so hard for. If things don’t go well between you and your new found love they could quickly turn to legal heartache, if you’re not careful. Simply leave the heavy petting and cat calling outside of the workplace and spare yourself the potential embarrassment by avoiding the chance of harassment accusations.
• Don’t abuse or take advantage of the situation. Never use company funds to entertain your newly found special-someone. Don’t leave triple-x voicemails, notes or emails for your office babe.
• Don’t ever engage in sexual activity on company property. This one’s fairly straightforward. And yes, company property includes stairwells, supply closets, restrooms and company parking lots.