My column this Sunday in Chronicle Jobs addresses the possible pitfalls of workplace relationships.
Workplaces friendships can — and do — develop into workplace relationships. They can work, but there are some things you should and shouldn’t do when embarking on a workplace relationship.
Peter Handal, CEO and president of Dale Carnegie Training, said maintaining professionalism is key.
“It’s a good practice to keep social and business lives separate, and that means not letting a romantic relationship affect the quality of your work. When it’s an office romance, the stakes are even higher. If there’s evidence that an office romance is affecting work, one or both of you may be asked to end your romance or, worse yet, find another job.”
If you find yourself attracted to a coworker, here are some things to consider:
• Think about the ramifications of your relationship; avoid letting your emotions be in the driver’s seat.
• Read your company’s HR department policy and procedure manual to make sure you are within the company’s dating guidelines. Know the rules and expectations.
• The risk lies in how others will perceive your relationship. Even if you follow all the rules of etiquette, it can be difficult to predict how others will respond.
• Take balance into consideration. Spend time with other colleagues, and avoid focusing all your free time at work (such as your break time) with your significant other.
• Be prepared for unexpected reactions, and plan how you will handle sharing the news of your relationship, if you choose to do so.
• Maintain healthy boundaries. While at work, focus on work.
• If the two of you work in the same department, you might consider transferring to another department or location.
