Dating A Co-Worker
While some people don’t mix business with pleasure, others decide it’s okay to date someone in the workplace. In doing so, you need to consider a few things. Will there be any repercussions if the relationship turns sour? Are you dating your boss or another upper level manager?
If you’re considering dating or having a relationship with some one you work with, first find out if the company allows it. Many times companies frown upon managers getting involved with employees on a personal level. Some companies will even go so far as to fire anybody they know is violating this workplace agreement. Losing a job over a relationship is to me, never worth it.
Another thing to consider is how the rest of the employees take it. Will there be a lot of gossip going around the office? Some offices have more of that than others making it a very uncomfortable situation to be in. You can always choose to hide your relationship. This is not always an easy task.
Most times there will be some nosy coworker who will find out. Sometimes people get annoyed when they find out two coworkers are dating. This is especially true if one is upper level management and the other just got a promotion. There is sure to be people in the office that will complain about it and say it’s because “so and so” are dating the boss. Not only will this affect you but also hinder any team environment the office once had.
It may affect how the office is run. If you feel you can’t pass up the opportunity to date a co-worker, you can always consider moving to another department. This will definitely alleviate any bad feelings the other co-workers might have. As long as you are both in different departments, it doesn’t seem unprofessional.
Of course if you are both in the same department you will have to face the fact that if the relationship ends, you’ll be stuck working with your ex. Is that going to be a problem for you? I know for me personally, I would not want to have to work 40 hours a week with any ex.
Sexual harassment is an issue you may want to consider mulling over in your mind before deciding to date a co-worker. This is the reason that so many companies have rules against dating co-workers.
You never want to be in a position where a jilted lover seeks revenge on you by claiming you didn’t have a relationship and that you were harassing them. That’s a very serious thing to be accused of but it happens all of the time in the workplace. This is something that can ruin your personal and professional life.
So if you’re considering dating a co-worker, carefully think about the consequences. Things might work out for you. But, are you prepared if they don’t?
