Office Romance 101

They say never mix business with pleasure, but what happens when you suddenly find yourself entangled in a romantic relationship with your workmate?

Just like the school, the workplace offers countless possibilities of Mr. Maybes and Mr. Rights ---as well as Mr. Wrongs… “Office romances are inevitable.” Obviously, after spending eight to ten hours in the office each day, you can’t help but develop strong feelings of attraction towards a hunky co-worker smelling shower-fresh and wearing OC – polished, shiny leather shoes. And if you play your cards right, he might just like you back.

Happily ever after? Not quite.

While the usual conundrums arise, another setback appears to management’s say, which falls under ‘office policies’ on employees engaging in office romance. Years ago, such relationships were considered taboo due to perception that romantic rendezvous in the workplace only brought risks, not rewards. But in recent years, society has become more open and loosened up in the rules on such, even going as far as deleting the ‘ no dating colleagues’ policy in company handbooks.

However, even if management has eased up on the ‘no dating’ policy, there’s another peril to ponder; catty co-workers. The grapevine works double time once people sniff out your romance, and both of you will have to endure a myriad of comments and ribbings. Not a pretty prediction at all if you want your love to last…

So before you give in to your urges and get into a relationship with an officemate, heed the guidelines:

• Friends muna. ‘Don’t rush into passion.’ Becoming friends with your soon to be partner can only work to your advantage—your friendship will serve as a buttress to the romantic aspect of your relationship.
• Love in tennis means zero. Dating someone doesn’t allow and will never equal power. If you feel you deserve that long-awaited raise, find ways to make your boss aware of your strengths – and not through come-hither tactics. Consider the consequences of dating your boss or someone from upper management. If you can’t hack it, don’t.
• Be discreet. You don’t have to keep your relationship under wraps, but coming out of the closet doesn’t mean flaunting your status as a couple. Decorum should be your number virtue in the workplace. Keep your pride and your relationship intact and shy away from gossip piranhas. Remember, there’s a right time and place for everything.
• No two-timing. When you start dating someone at work, arm yourself with the knowledge that your love life will resemble an open book. Unless you have a star-complex need to be center of attention, playing your relationship by the book will definitely pay off. Lest you aim to ruin your reputation and career standing, spare your co-workers the office drama and don’t let yourselves become coffee break topic.
• No hanky-panky. Sure, having your boyfriend around is a welcome treat to dispel the dreariness of the office doldrums. But under your boss’ watchful eye, this may not be the case. Honey-moon stage or not focusing all your energy on your guy all the time might distract you from your daily duties or worse, be biased about certain decisions concerning him.

This is why it is important to conduct your business interactions in a professional manner and demonstrate you’re A-list dedication to work. Set your priorities in line and know when to (and when not to) turn the sugariness on full rave-up.

So, would you engage yourself into a roller coaster ride kinda' link or thank you, you'd rather not?