The Pros and Cons of Dating in the Workplace
A recent survey has revealed that over half of those who have had a relationship with a work colleague admit the affair had an effect on their work. It also revealed that relationships can damage team and individual performances, lead to messy splits and awkwardness, as well as fuel office gossip. So why do we do it?
The Benefits of Office Romances
It's hardly surprising that so many of us become attracted to colleagues, after all, we usually spend more time with them than with anyone else we know. In addition, because we work together, we already have something in common and possibly a shared group of friends. This type of romance can often start as a slow-burn relationship - from colleague, through friendship to lover - which is often the nicest way to go. The petty details of work politics don't seem petty to someone who shares the same colleagues as us and they always seem to understand what we're going through at work.
We asked our readers if they thought it was OK to date someone from work? Here's how they responded ...
1. Yes, but only if you are careful (32%)
3. No, absolutely not (25%)
2. Yes, absolutely (21%)
4. Yes, but not from your own office (18%)
5. Not sure (4%)
The Dangers of Dating a Colleague
However, whilst there are a number of advantages to dating a colleague, there are also many disadvantages that can have serious consequences, not only for your personal life, but also for your career.
To start with, you will probably have to put up with the usual office gossip and speculation and if you're not careful, all cosy chats at each other's desks and time spent gazing lovingly at each other could seriously impact on the quality of your work.
You also need to think about what will happen if things don't run smoothly; if you have an argument at home before work, do you really want to spend the rest of the day trying to avoid one another or glaring at each other?
Even worse - what happens if you break up? The good thing about most break ups (if there IS a good thing) is that you don't have to see that person anymore, so you have a chance to focus on other things in your life and move on. With a work romance, this is usually out of the question and you're stuck with having to deal with them every single day. You may become jealous when you see them moving on with their lives or you may be filled with a desire to exact revenge on them every time to see them. Such distractions can seriously damage your performance at work and can also make your other co-workers feel awkward when dealing with either one of you.
