Office Romance: Is it a good idea to date your co-worker?

There are so many reasons why dating in the workplace is a no-no. If you were to ask your friends and family about it, their advice will lean more towards “don’t do it” rather than “that’s a brilliant idea”. Many things could go wrong, and it seems as if everyone has a gossipy tale of a relationship that went horribly wrong in such a setting. From post-breakup awkwardness to ruined reputations, perhaps even job-loss.

That’s not to say it’s impossible to date your colleague or co-worker. The internet has a whole slew of advice on how to do this responsibly and in a level-headed manner. But there are a handful of things that you should really consider first, before you decide to hook up with someone you work with…

1. Work should always come first during business hours

Remember, if you decide to pursue a relationship, you should always make it clear from the start that work comes first during work hours. This is Rule Number One. It should be generally understood between the two of you that work should not be treated as “extended quality time”. It is very important to keep your relationship entirely professional when in the office and keep non-work related conversation topics for after-hours.

2. Familiarise yourself with the company’s policy before you start to date

There are many companies with strict rules about forming relationships and you should recognise how this could affect you and your career. Does your company’s rulebook strictly say relationships of any kind are prohibited? There might be harsh consequences when policies are not adhered to.

If you assume that your relationship could get pretty serious in the long-run, you might end up having to choose between your lover and your job. If you don’t want to go through such heartache, it might be best to call it quits before things get out of hand.

3. Make sure you don’t get involved with the wrong person

Don’t date your boss, don’t sleep with your boss, don’t get cosy with your boss. This also applies to your subordinates. If one of you is managing the other, we would advise against initiating any sort of romance (whether fleeting or long-term). Sticky situations like “sexual harassment” or “workplace bias” might be too easy to claim. Relationships with your peers are more acceptable. Just be aware that a great number of married individuals look for clandestine relationships in the workplace, too.

In the end, it is really up to you whether you think you can handle dating within the workplace. It is always important to remain responsible and conduct yourself in an appropriate manner. Don’t risk your career – if you have any doubts or reservations, you might be better off finding love elsewhere.

Angela Goh

Photo: Getty Images

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