9 to 5: Tips to Making Love Work at Work

BY: A. DUB

For some singles, meeting someone worth their time can be a lifelong task. Endless nights at the club, the local happy hour or in front of the computer searching the Web can yield tons of less than compatible potential mates. With all of the old places to meet new friends not yielding many positive results, the workplace is becoming the new “singles bar.” Results have shown that people are more likely to date a co-worker than anyone else. Over 70% of single employees become involved with someone at their job at some point in their career.

When on the daily nine-to-five grind, beware of the consequences starting an office romance. That person could be the love of your life or biggest loser you’ve
ever met. And if things turn sour, you’re still going to have to work with them. There aren’t any guarantees in love, but here are things to be prepared for when getting involved in a workplace romance.

Nine
• Know the Rules
Find out the company rules on office romance. Get an understanding of the written and unwritten laws of your company’s corporate culture.
• Honesty is the Best Policy
Always be honest and forthcoming about what you’re looking for. If you’re only looking for a fling, never make long-term relationship comments to get some.
• Dating Up
Sometimes a relationship with the boss can provide special privileges. Even if the relationship ends, a perk or promotion can be given to you to reduce the risk of harassment charges being filed. One study has shown that 64 percent of women that dated up report that their work situation improved after the break-up.
• Dating Down
This is risky business. Special friends and lovers may ask for and expect special privileges or assignments that they haven’t earned. This can affect the productivity of the department.
• Set Some Rules
A workplace relationship has a better chance of success if ground rules are laid out on the first date. Discuss how you’ll handle things at work and away from work.
• Keep it on the Low
As tempting as it may be, don’t broadcast you and your co-worker’s business around the office. Once others know the extent of your relationship, you will be under the microscope and subject to ridicule. Don’t gossip about your love life and nix any public displays of affection.
• My Other Life
Make sure you have more in common than work. It’s important not to spend too much time with your love and work. Spend time pursuing other interests together as well as alone. Don’t forget your friends!
• Proceed with Caution
Take things slow. Make sure both of you have the maturity and tact to handle a potentially intense or emotional work space. Make sure they aren’t the type to tell your secrets before you go out.
• The Fun of it all
Being in love is wonderful. The office is great place to get to know someone better. Just be careful and enjoy the ride.

Five
• After the Love is Gone
If the relationship doesn’t work, can you face this person every day? An awkward situation may arise and there is no space for disassociation.
• Word around the Office
Expect to be the talk of the office. When co-workers are tossing around rumors, they may be jealous and attempt to sabotage your work.
• It’s Just Not Fair
An unhappy ex can negatively alter the kind of work assignments, raises and promotions you receive. Others may view promotions or raises as favoritism, no matter how much you deserve it.
• Back to Work
Is it worth your career? Have a back-up plan in case things turn out negative. Be prepared to find another job.
• It Wasn’t Me
The other party involved may be vindictive and sabotage your career. Will your ex tell HR that your advances were unwanted? False sexual harassment charges are common among work relationships turned sour.

If handled responsibly, an office romance can be rewarding. Just make sure you are prepared to handle whatever becomes of the relationship. Happy dating!

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