Office relationships can make a lot of trouble, even those who aren’t involved in the relationship. Romance at the office – or any workplace – can become public knowledge fast and rumors get started. Surprisingly it can make some people jealous and some even give preferential treatment to their lovers, while putting off people who deserve raises and promotions.
Remember this advice:
- Find out what the company’s policy is on dating in the office. Many firms have a no fraternizing policy and will fire someone who dates within the office.
- Don’t tell anyone about the relationship unless it’s solid. Telling others about dating someone just to break up in two months will only start rumors and gossip. If more than one person at the office has been dated, this also will start rumors and give the impression that the person is promiscuous.
- Dating someone in the direct chain of command. This is just asking for favoritism. If someone dates a boss or manager, they should ask to be moved to a different department or manager so there’s no accusations of favoritism or conflict of interest.
- Don’t hold hands, kiss, flirt, and especially don’t have sex in the office. Displays of affection can make others uncomfortable and even jealous.
- Avoid posting about the relationship on social networks. We read all the time about people who got fired because of Facebook posts.
- Send flowers or gifts to the person’s home, not the office.
- Keep business and work separate. Don’t talk about the relationship at work and don’t give information about the lover or share fights. Few people can really keep a secret.
- Don’t use company email to communicate love or sexy messages. Company email can be read by higher-ups and reveal things they shouldn’t know.
Just be professional and don’t create gossip about yourself. If the relationship doesn’t last, keep it quiet and don’t kiss and tell.
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