Office romances are difficult and typically not advised; it is a fact. But as it is said that love and attraction frequently occur, but when it occurs at a workplace, then one of three things can happen: it might hamper your reputation making your career suffer; it ends amicably and with neither of you letting the other down; or everything works out.
Talk about the worst-case scenarios that could occur and how you would handle them. The breakup can be messy, and you both find it uncomfortable to remain in the same space. Will you both continue working for the same company if you have decided future together? Before anyone is hurt, clear out how much this relationship means to you. It could be advisable to back off if the awkwardness of a possible public split and prospective changes to your work isn’t worth the risk.
Keep the following office dating rules in your mind to play it safe.
Do not spread your dating news in a hurry
There’s no need to announce “the news” of your new relationship with your cubicle buddy via a mass email. People will either not care, think it is annoying or improper, or they will get envious. Be tactful when sharing the news. Once you feel like there might be a future here, make a mutual decision with your partner about how and when you want to tell your coworkers about your relationships. There is no need to share if no one appears to notice.
Make dating rules with your partner
You and your new partner must decide important office romance rules and develop a strategy for how you will maintain professionalism and adhere to any established or unestablished regulations. What will your backup plan be in case you come under fire from a manager, from rumors, or if something goes wrong?
Give your work priority inside the office
Do your task and concentrate on your work, especially if you wish to reduce gossip. Office colleagues are generally not interested in your intense love story; they might hear you by showing lots of interest but can later pass on the gossip. Avoid discussing the relationship with others because it may distract them or make them uncomfortable. A disgruntled employee might also complain to HR. So, work hard and leave no stone unturned to impress your bosses. Even if your love story reaches their table, they might not react because of your excellent performance at work.
Never engage yourself in PDA
PDA is considered the biggest blunder in a professional place. Many times, it might cost you your job. There are several rules made by the office when your join a workplace – sexual harassment, office romance, and indulging in sexual activities or PDA are also mentioned in this list. When PDA, preferential treatment, or public words of affection are reported to HR, at the very least, an investigation is launched. So, make sure you maintain a proper distance in the office.
Decide on future prospectus with your partner
When a relationship gets more serious, one person frequently decides to quit their work entirely since the more committed you are, the more likely it is that your relationship will interfere with your ability to do your job. This is why so many businesses have anti-nepotism laws. It’s important to consider this early on and to keep it in mind as your relationship develops.