What do you do when Cupid goes corporate and crosses into your career?
By Brad Karsh, President of JB Training Solutions
@BradKarsh @JBTSolutions
-46% of workers say they have been in an office romance (Vault)
-82% of employees know of an office romance between co-workers (Vault)
-72% of companies do not have a written dating policy (SHRM)
With an office romance, can you really work happily ever after? My answer is yes, dating in the office is manageable. It’s breaking up that can be difficult. Even so, there are a few rules to live by when handling a worktime valentine.
- Keep in line with HR policy. Above all - do not, under any circumstances, violate your HR policy. If you do, be prepared to feel the career repercussions in the name of love.
- Make your own work policy with your significant other. Sit down with your canoodling co-worker and make a set of guidelines about how you’ll navigate your workplace romance. (i.e. “We won’t communicate at all during the work day, except for 15 minutes over lunch). Make a contingency plan for any potentially sticky scenarios.
- Be discreet and be honest. Your co-workers aren’t stupid. When roses are coming from the next cubical, they’ll know what’s up. Be honest about your relationship if co-workers ask, but don’t advertise your relationship status, either. (NO PDA!)
- Don’t play favorites. Especially if you are dating a subordinate (which is NEVER a good idea), be careful of favoritism. Your co-workers will be on the defense and especially sensitive to this kind of behavior given your relationship, so make sure to remain objective with all work matters.
- If it goes sour…take the high road. Be prepared for the distinct possibility that it won’t work out. No one likes to be in the vicinity of an ex - let alone work side-by-side an ex. Do not vent or share information about your relationship with your co-workers, and remain mature and respectful.
