Romance at the workplace: is office romance disruptive?



"Romance at the workplace"/"office romance"

Relationships know no boundaries and can sometimes develop under very 'inappropriate' situations and/or in "forbidden" places, so to speak. "Office romances" can cross boundaries, affect other people, even annoy some.

Colleagues that have a romantic or intimate relationship could find the office gossip, the criticism and the disapproval so stressful that, they may even decide to end their relationship or resign.

The truth is, as much as the workplace is considered an 'inappropriate' place to establish a romantic relationship, some workplace relationships do survive the gossip and the disapproval, to make it to the altar and beyond. Not all workplace relationships or 'romance at the workplace' situations fall into the 'just convenient' category. A lot of people have built long term, truly meaningful relationships and successful marriages with people they have met at work.

Romance at the workplace - What would your colleagues say or think of you?

Romance at the workplace: how to act proffessional when you are in love

It is very unfortunate that colleagues sometimes do generalise and mis-label those involved in an office relationship. Somehow it just becomes a "scandal" even if it shouldn't be. The question is - is there any one socially-correct place to meet a prospective partner? People have met in clubs, strip clubs and others meet in churches, but none of these raise as much eyebrows as relationships born in the office.

If you are colleagues and just have to be involved in a romantic relationship, keep it professional and comfortable for your sake and for your colleagues'.

Take a look at these tips and suggestions for healthy, mature and professional romance at the workplace

Romance at the workplace: tips, guidelines & inspiration

* If you are not serious about the relationship, don't start with it in the first place, save yourselves some headaches

* Do not carry on with the relationship if it is unlikely to lead to something long-term, like a marriage. No flings in the office please.

* Do not be involved with someone if they're married or have a partner. Save yourself some unpleasant 'labels'.

* You may want to delay the relationship if you work directly with the other person, example, if they are your boss or you're theirs; or if you have to report or account financially or otherwise to them.

* Perhaps one of you might seek ways to either be placed at a different unit within the organisation or look outside for other opportunities.

* If you must stay at the organisation, please respect your colleagues.

* Do not perform intimate gestures like kissing, touching intimately in front of your colleagues.

* Try not to bring your differences to the office. The worst thing about working with a lover is that people will notice if the two of you have had a fight/argument and aren't speaking to each other. So, from the start, keep it as private as possible.

There is no reason to break-up or call off a good relationship just because it was born at the 'wrong' place. This office relationship could be the best thing that has ever happened to you. Work it out and respect other people's work space and feelings.



ROMANCE AT THE WORKPLACE: YOU ARE STILL PART OF THE TEAM - TEAMBUILDING STRATEGIES



WORK: EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS

A GOOD PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH COLLEAGUES IS IMPORTANT

WORKING FROM HOME COULD HELP ONCE AN "OFFICE AFFAIR" HAS RESULTED IN MARRIAGE

Commitment phobia

ROMANCE IN SCHOOLS: Student-teacher affairs

Life in a relationship

Opposite sex friendships: are you just friends or are you involved in "romance at the workplace?"

Check if you are ready to take it a step further

Draw some inspiration from these love sayings

YOUR HAPPINESS MATTERS

JUST LIKE WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS, SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS MAY ALSO BE FROWNED UPON

Having children out of marriage

Subscribe to our free relationship newsletter

Search for helpful books on "office affairs" or "romance at the workplace"