So, you're thinking of going on a date with that cute girl at the corner office but right now you're thinking if you should open up the doors to an office romance. How will this play out? You and a group of employees, 56% in fact, are thinking the same thing.
Before you get up and ask her out for coffee, EconomicTimes has provided some things to keep in mind when you're weighing out the pros and cons of dating a co-worker.
The Do's:
1. Make sure it's worth it - Professional matchmaker Samantha Daniels says it's important to keep in mind that the person you know in the office is going to be different outside the office space. "Make sure he or she is worth it and that it could become something real," Daniels says, "since you will be creating a potential for awkwardness and problems in your workplace."
2. Review Your Company's Policy - If it's against the rules and you value your job, then you should think twice. There are more options outside the office. If you insist, approach HR and check if there are exceptions.
3. Talk about the worst case scenario - Ever thought of what would happen if you had a couple's spat or have broken up? It's a messy situation if you're in the same office or company. Seeing each other everyday is a point of potential awkwardness. Relationship coach Folashade Butler says you should talk it out with your partner in case things don't work out to avoid an uncomfortable environment. Psychologist Dr. Rachel Needle points out that people shouldn't break up in the office - take it outside.
The Don'ts:
1. Don't let office hook-ups earn you a reputation - Don't be "that" guy. Relationship coach Todd Valentine says the potential of a sexual harassment suit is possible. If there's a co-worker that you have a true interest in, you can try to proceed. But don't start looking at your office as a place to pick up eligible singles.
2. Don't engage in PDA at work - Keep the professional setting professional. Engage romantic relations outside of the office. Don't give HR a reason to slip you a note. Valentine says, "Your boss doesn't need to see your PDA - and even if you're sure no one is around, you might get busted by surveillance cameras."
3. Don't give them special treatment - When the relationship becomes public, sometimes doing favors for that person can be biased. According to Valentine, "When it comes to work, make sure you treat the co-worker your dating just like you would any other co-worker -and save the special treatment for after office hours.
