Cupids can work their magic anywhere — even at your place of work. Since we spend so many hours in the same place, finding your love interest there is not a big deal. You are working on different people’s projects, have coffee breaks together and even share the same dislike toward your manager. You never know who you click with. But however exciting it may sound, office romance can be very tricky. One wrong step and your entire professional reputation and career would be at stake. But don’t worry, this blog will help you approach workplace romance while also maintaining professionalism and staying within your expected limits. Let’s go!
Know Your Company’s Policies
First things first, you must check your organization’s policies on workplace relationships before you proceed any further. While some companies have specific guidelines on acceptable behavior, others don’t take relationships between colleagues in good taste. You need to be informed so that there’s no violation of any policies that could lead to punishing action. In case you are not sure of any such policies, check with your HR (but discreetly).
Consider the Power Dynamics
We know love doesn’t see any status or hierarchies but some things are very important. Is your love interest in the same team or is there a manager-subordinate scene between you guys? The problem is that when there is a relationship like a boss and an employee, you can be accused of favoritism. Now you have to go very carefully on this fire. If one has more authority over the other, discuss the situation with HR in the beginning only and always be very transparent and professional in your conduct.
Start Slow and Keep It Subtle
When you feel a spark, don’t dive into it like a teenager. First, you take some time to understand whether the connection is genuine or just an infatuation. Sometimes, just long hours of working together bring people closer but it’s nothing more than that. It’s always good to keep what’s between you too very low-key. You can figure things out while also being secret about it and not getting into the public eye. Once you are sure, you can share the news with your work friends.
Respect Professional Limits
Don’t get too lost in your office romance that you start avoiding work responsibilities or professionalism. Public displays of affection, texting all day and obvious favoritism will surely damage your professional image and of course, your coworkers will not like it too. Personal matters should be attended to after work hours, don’t make meetings uncomfortable by being cheesy and you better focus on your performance because that’s going to pay your bills.
Prepare for Gossip and Reactions
Of course, you guys will be a topic of gossip, no matter how professional you stay. It is a huge setback for office affairs. After all, nobody wants to miss a good story and romance between colleagues is huge! You tackle it by being upfront while sharing the news so that there’s a controlled narrative and the least assumptions around it. Stay very composed when you talk about it because the way you talk about it, others will follow.
Plan for All Scenarios
While you are imagining all the happy endings, do keep your fingers crossed on the “what-ifs.” If it ends well, amazing! If it doesn’t, don’t stop being cordial and professional. Never let your feelings affect work. In case one of you needs to change the department or get another job, be prepared for it to avoid any tension.
Stay Very Clear in Communication
Communication saves all relationships. You both must discuss your expectations and how are you going to handle the office challenges that will come your way. Talk about how you will address disagreements, future career opportunities & plans and how to maintain balance between work and personal life.
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture
While relationships are meaningful, career and professional reputation are of utmost importance and shouldn’t be compromised. As yourself is this relationship contributing positively to your life? Office romance can be an exciting and wonderful experience only when handled responsibly. Proceed wisely and carry on without getting fired 🙂
