Do’s and Don’ts of Dating a Co-Worker

While some people believe in keeping their professional and personal lives separate, there are others who decide that dating a co-worker is fine. Dating a co-worker might seem like an adventure that could make your workweek exciting, but certain factors have to be kept in mind before mixing business with pleasure.

1. Check the corporate policy of your office:

Office romance is often frowned upon in many companies; they discourage the practice of dating a co-worker. You should consult the company employee handbook and find out whether there is a rule against getting involved with a co-worker or marrying a co-worker. If there is such a rule then consult your boss.

2. Keep your romance low key:

When dating a co-worker, it is best to keep your office romance discreet. There might be a lot of gossip if your other co-workers find out. Your co-workers might talk behind your back. There might even be chances that if your boss gets to know about your relationship, it can destroy chances of your promotion. Everyone will be on the look out for reasons to nail you.

3. Never date your subordinate:

Dating a subordinate is not sensible. Especially dating a person who reports directly to you or whose promotion depends on you. You might be accused of manipulating her or asking for sexual favors in return for promotion if the relationship doesn’t work. It might spoil the atmosphere of your office.

4. Date someone in a different department:

If you are dating a co-worker from a different department or floor, then you will be free from all accusations of favoritism and harassment. It will also help you to keep the romance discreet as you won’t bump into each other all the time. Moreover, you will have more to converse and share with your partner about your daily on goings. In case of a break up, you won’t have to face that person everyday if she is in a different department.

5. Avoid public displays of affection:

Public displays of affection spoil the office environment. Do not hold hands or caress during office hours. Nosy co-workers are always on the lookout, they will do everything possible to expose you. Getting caught in an act of intimacy will harm your professional image.

6. Don’t carry your quarrels and fights to the workplace:

Fighting and shouting at each other spoils the peace and atmosphere of the workplace. It also affects the work output and productivity of a person. Co-workers might mess up work because of personal problems between them; it results in stalling of work.

7. The break up

Before dating a co-worker, always weigh the possibility of a break up. The only good part of a normal break up is that you don’t have to see the other person afterwards; but in case of dating a co-worker this rule doesn’t apply. You will have to meet that person and work with her even if you hate it.