Pitfalls of Dating in the Workplace
Not long ago, it was common for couples to meet in school. However, with the average age for first marriages growing and work hours stretching longer and longer, dating within the office is much more common than it once was. So if it’s common, that means that everything is fine and nothing bad can happen to your career, right? Wrong. Before you address your valentines this year, consider these potential pitfalls of office dating.
You might get hit by the gossip train.
Office gossip is something that exists no matter how large or small your company is. And though you may do your best to keep dating a secret, it’s possible (even probable) that eventually someone will find out. The best way to combat backbiting is by being open about your relationship. This will mean the news isn’t as juicy and people are more likely to move on.
Instead of V-Day red, coworkers may appear green.
Many couples within an office feel that coworkers are jealous which is difficult to combat. Coworkers may feel that one of you receives special favors or doesn’t get their share of blame when things go poorly. They may just dislike you because you seem happy and they aren’t. Either way, jealous coworkers are usually tougher to be around—and work with.
You never get a break.
No matter how much you love someone, sometimes it’s good to be in your own space and do your own thing. If you work closely together, your partner isn’t just a romantic partner—they’re a cubicle partner, a work partner and likely a carpool partner. If you need some alone time, dating someone at work may not work for you.
Breakups are tough, and breaking up at work is tougher.
If you thought it was awkward to inform human resources of a relationship, try telling them that you’ve called it off. Furthermore, seeing your ex at work means you’ll never get a break from them, which could make the split more painful or frustrating. This excess emotion could tamper with your work and, if it gets out of control, even affect your reputation.
Before you just go with your heart, be sure you fully understand office policies. You may need to alert human resources of your relationship, which could result in consequences such as having to change departments or even jobs.
