The Tribune

Workplace romances can lead to long-term relationships and even marriage, but they can also result in uncomfortable situations for the people involved in the relationship, as well as their co-workers.

In the worst case scenario, intertwining business and pleasure could result in an unplanned, unwanted job search because people can be fired over workplace relationships or forced to resign because of a romance gone wrong.

That said, office romances do happen. Given how much time people spend at work, it is not surprising that they develop crushes or fall in love. The easiest form of advice given to those who may have been bitten by the love bug at work is to make sure your office romance does not interfere with your career or your significant other’s.

Here are a few tips for those caught up in a web of love at work:

1. Be sure it is a real love connection and not a casual fling. It would be sad to put so much at risk for a temporary or fleeting moment in time.

2. Be aware of company policies regarding work relationships. Many companies, large and small, have hard and fast rules against relationships developing between co-workers. If it is against the rules, you have to ask yourself: “Is it worth it?” And, if relationships are allowed, be discreet and prepare for any consequences.

3. Maintain decorum and professionalism. Do not let a romantic relationship affect the quality and efficiency of your work. The bottom line is: You do not have to keep your relationship a secret, but you do not want to have it on display so much that it makes your colleagues uncomfortable. If there is evidence that an office romance is affecting work, one or both of you may be asked to end your relationship or, worse yet, find another job. Avoid public displays of affection at the office, but also be aware that co-workers may be on the look-out for bias.

4. Avoid dating someone in a higher or lower position. Office politics and hierarchy should be top-of-mind, particularly when it comes to office romances. Choosing an entanglement with a co-worker, especially one at a different seniority level, could dramatically affect your salary or movement within your company. Your best bet is to avoid dating people with whom you regularly work.

5. Save the romance for out of the office. No matter how in love you feel, there should be no public displays of affection at work. Stick to the same professional behaviour with your significant other at the workplace that you would show to any other co-worker. That means no holding hands, no kissing, no affectionate nicknames, and definitely no supply closet liaisons.

6. Address issues after-hours. Never, ever fight or argue at work. Any personal disagreements should be dealt with outside the office.

7. Plan for the worst. Agree at the beginning of the relationship how you will handle a potential break-up. Avoid, at all costs, a messy break-up. It is not just you and your partner that are involved; it is your entire office and the future of the company’s dating policy. And, if you do decide that one or both of you need to move on, do it on your terms. Start a job search before you have to and do not give your love life as a reason for leaving when you interview.

8. Consider leaving the company. If the relationship does get serious, one member should consider a new position outside the company.

NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at iferguson@bahamas.com.