7 things to think about when contemplating an office romance

7 tips for handling an office romance

If you’re looking for love at work, you might want to consider how an office romance can affect your career and whether it’s worth the risk to go there.

Here are a few tips to help keep you out of hot water.

1. Before launching into an office romance, know the company’s policies regarding office relationships. Some companies have rules against it. If relationships are forbidden, you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it. If it is, be discreet and prepare for any consequences. If it’s not against the rules, evaluate whether your company’s corporate climate is generally accepting or looks down upon such relationships.

2. Weigh the benefits against the career risks. Your current job may less important to you than finding a life partner. Or, it may be an important stepping stone in your career path that you aren’t willing to risk.

3. Maintain decorum and professionalism. Keep social and business lives separate and that means not letting a romantic relationship affect the quality and efficiency of your work. If there’s evidence that your office romance is affecting your work, recognize that you may be asked to end your romance or maybe find another job.

4. Avoid dating someone in a higher or lower position. Office politics and hierarchy should concern you. Choosing an entanglement with someone at a different seniority level could dramatically affect your salary or movement within the company. Avoid unwanted scrutiny and drama by avoiding dating those with whom you regularly work.

5. Save the romance for out of the office. Absolutely no public displays of affection at work. Maintain proper distance. Keep in mind that in today’s world of blogging, YouTube and Google, and even instant messaging, the line between public and private is increasingly blurred. Becoming a target of office gossip in the blogosphere or elsewhere could damage your career advancement and job security.

6. Plan for the worst. Agree in the beginning of the relationship how you will handle a potential break up. A messy break up affects you, your partner and perhaps the entire office. It could prompt the company to change its dating policy.

7. Consider leaving. If the relationship does get serious, one member should consider a new position outside the company.

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Sources: Dale Carnegie Training and Spherion Corp.