Valentine’s Day has come and gone and although it is not an official holiday, many have celebrated it with their loved ones be it a significant other, friends, or family. How many of you have celebrated it with a coworker? I’m not talking about celebrating as a group with the mandatory heart topped cupcakes, red balloons, or (insert Valentine’s themed item for giveaway here)  being given away at the office during Valentine’s day. I’m talking about an office romance.

There are a lot of people who meet their significant others at work or through work projects. However, in many companies, dating a coworker is frowned upon. Some even have company policies against it. But what if you’ve been flirting with a colleague and want things to progress to the next level? The heart wants what the heart wants, right? Should you forget about your budding relationship and just cut it short? Should you pursue it low-key? What exactly is the ideal thing to do in this situation?

We spend ⅓ of our lives at work and because of this sheer amount of time, we will often get to meet people who are very similar to us. We work in close proximity with others and get to see one another day after day. There is a good reason why a lot of relationships start off as an office romance – the more you spend time with them, the more you get familiar. You get to discover their likes and dislikes, you’re more likely to have a heart to heart conversations, you’re more likely to build friendships – and that’s what likely attracts you to one another. 

The risks of an office romance

Before you jump headfirst into an office romance, know the risks involved. There is a reason why office romances are frowned upon. Your professionalism might be called into question. Your colleagues might think you are giving your significant other preferential treatment. Your relationship might affect your productivity. Or worse, in the off chance that your office romance does not work out, you might affect the dynamics of your team. 

What to do

• For sure this isn’t you but it’s worth mentioning: don’t try to seek relationships to serve your own agenda. People will see through that. 
• Review your company’s policies regarding office relationships. Some companies don’t only prohibit dating coworkers but vendors, suppliers, and sometimes customers as well.
• Do not date your boss or a direct report. It’s always a good idea to not date someone in your hierarchy whether it is a higher-up or a subordinate. Your motivations or your professionalism and ability to remain unbiased might be called into question. 
• If you are in an office relationship, be open. Some relationships require specific disclosures. Some companies reassign their employees to another team or another boss. Don’t erode your employer’s trust by keeping your relationship a secret. Let them make informed decisions. 
• Do not show public displays of affection. It makes some people uncomfortable. Do not be that person. Be considerate.

What do you think about office romances? How should it be handled? Let us know in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today.