Is it possible to be in an office with someone you find attractive without having any feelings for such person? It is a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer because office romance has worked for some people and ended up being a disaster for others.
Notwithstanding, “business with pleasure” can sometimes be very pleasant.
So, how do you get the attention of your love interest in the workspace? Looking good, wearing nice perfumes, seductive eye contacts and a little flirting now and then can get you that attention you really crave for in the workspace. How do you make office romance work for you?
1. The Boss’ crush
Office romance can lead to you being sacked if you are ‘Loving up’ with someone your BOSS likes. You need to exercise caution when it gets to that level. One of you may need to leave the job if things don’t work out. If things do work out, one of you may have to go, because it might be against the company policy to date fellow employees.
2. Getting in a relationship with your subordinate
If you become involved with someone in your department and you receive a promotion. Now you’re in a relationship with your subordinate. This opens up the possibility of blackmail. And what happens when it comes to conducting reviews and disciplining your ‘Sweetim’. Do you get the picture?
3. Play safe
If you are still thinking of dating a co-worker you better start popping extra vitamins and heighten your sense of discretion. You’ll need a lot of energy and concentrated effort to keep your office romance just between the two of you. And when co-workers eventually find out, you may be the subject of ridicule and suspicion like: “I can’t believe he’s going out with her or she’s going out with him”.
4. Respect other co-workers
This might be a private affair, but I don’t think it is. You should think it through if your romantic involvement will impact your co-workers directly if you sit together in the company’s cafeteria, will people now feel they should give you privacy? Will they exclude you from certain conversations because they don’t know what you’ll relay to your new office love?
Your relationship may influence decisions that can make it more difficult for your department and it depends on your position, your company and if you will be able to operate effectively.
5. Avoiding Harassment
Here comes the H word and all it can entail. If your relationship ends badly, will your ex-love tell HR you were making unwanted advances? Think about how a harassment suit will impact your career.
If you still feel your co-workers are responsible for your misery, what do you do? If you work for an immense company, get a transfer to another department or branch. If that’s not an option because of your profession or company size, get yourself a new job.