It has been said that majority people in this world want two things above all; to make money and to find love. So it only makes sense it's becoming more common for coworkers to start dating in the workplace.
Office policy aside, who wouldn't want to have their best friend at work become their better half? Studies by Business Insider show that more than half of working professionals have participated in an office romance of some variety, with women as the more likely gender to engage in a relationship with a coworker.
However, despite all the advantages associated with office romance, the decision to have that work colleague as a lover has it's own don'ts. So what are these?
1. Never date your boss. Right?
If there is one cardinal rule of office romance to follow, it's this one. Romancing your boss would get really messy pretty quickly and in most cases, could even be a red flag for Human Resource. It can get really dangerous if you and your boss get romantically involved and are not on the same page.
According to more.com, you could get treated at work differently, and if word gets around about your relationship without your consent, you have an entirely different issue on your hands. So try avoiding getting involved with your boss at all costs.
Both of your professional reputations could be at risk if you are not careful, and this type of behavior can even have legal implications. While the heart wants what it wants, getting involved with a superior could spell serious trouble for you—differing paychecks and workplace etiquette included.
2. Never boast around about it
Even if it is just a peck on the cheek or a quick hug by the elevator, you should, at all costs try avoiding constant body contact with that 'lover' of yours.
Even if everyone in the office knows you are an item, don't go flaunting it. You could make your other co-workers feel uncomfortable or even hurt your own productivity. Nobody wants to see you playing footsie under the conference room table. Your personal life and professional brand should never clash, no matter how much you like your coworker.
3. Never address your love problems in office
Never, ever fight or argue at work. Any personal disagreements should be dealt with outside the office when coworkers are out of sight.
4. Be prepared to face the consequences
Once you're in a relationship with a colleague or, ideally, before the relationship begins to read up on the company policies about dating co-workers.
According to the balance.com, 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.