Office Romance: Mixing Business With Pleasure

Recent surveys show that a lot of relationships blossom in the workplace. This is not surprising at all, because in this day and age, the time spent at work with colleagues is almost the same as the time spent socializing with friends. As a result, many individuals find romance in the convenience of the workplace. When a person shares common qualities and experiences with a co-worker and undergoes demanding situations together, it is no longer a shocker if they end up socializing at the end of the day. When dating a co-worker, one must always be cautious. An office romance always has the possibility of bringing about embarrassment and uneasiness in the workplace, probably the very reason why this kind of romance rarely ever last.

How a person handles an office breakup is often indicative of one’s level of maturity and professionalism in handling the relationship itself. Here are the dos and don’ts to make office romance work for you and get you through situations with dignity and grace: Keeping the relationship out of the office is essential. This means setting limits and boundaries about what is proper inside the office walls. If you and your partner have managed to steer clear of public displays of affection on the whole course of the relationship, then the same rule must be applied to the breakup. Sending spiteful notes back and forth using the company email system and using the cafeteria for a long discussion about the relationship is definitely unprofessional.

Don’t be surprised when your budding romance turns into a work soap opera after this display of emotional conversation. A nasty breakup always leaves one on the warpath, and giving in to name calling or badmouthing is oh-so easy. But, remember that being in an office romance is way different from the usual relationship: your friends are your partner’s friends too. Even when it comes to ending an office romance, one must still take on a professional attitude meaning, saying nothing bad about your ex to the colleagues. Whenever you feel the urge to do so, bite your tongue and save the juicy details for your friends outside the office.

It is hard to stay focused on one’s job on a daily basis; it’s harder still with a budding romance on the side—precisely the reason why company executives and human resource employees wince at the thought of interoffice relationships ( it would be a smart move to find out beforehand if your employer has a policy on workplace relations). Never let the romance get in the way of work and productivity as much as possible. And if the romance eventually hits the skids, don’t let it keep you from doing your work. Drown yourself in the job, not in your misery, and constantly remind yourself of the very reason why you go to work in the first place.

Being able to work and deal with a devastating personal situation at the same time will show others that you are without a doubt, committed to your career and to the company’s success. Reverting from being lovers to colleagues can be a full time job itself and can be very difficult. You will have to see each other every day for sure and it will be painful, BUT try your very best to put your personal feelings outside of the four walls of the workplace and handle yourself with dignity and professionalism. The next time you feel the slightest attraction for a colleague, think more than twice and do yourself a favour: look elsewhere for your next relationship!