Dating among coworkers is more prevalent than you might expect, according to a Career Builder survey, approximately 38 percent of the workforce reported they have dated a coworker at least once over the course of their career and 31 percent ended up married. However, it is a good idea to review your employer’s workplace policy regarding dating before you strike up the courage to ask a colleague out.
Most employers know that matchmaking can occur while on the job and depending on the size of the company, there could be policies in place that prohibit dating among coworkers. Even if your employer may not have a formal policy, you still need to be sensitive when it comes to dating in the office.
There are reasons why employers can be divided when the subject of dating surfaces, mostly derived from a legality point of view and the conflict that occurs within the workforce when a relationship such a supervisor-subordinate is formed. Those in leadership roles often have the most to lose when choosing to date within the organization. The higher the position in the organization, the greater the risk in damaging a great career.
When you spend the majority of your day at work you are more apt to build a relationship over time based on shared interests such as a project or start-up operation. The time spent in communicating can lead to a greater interest in taking the work relationship to a different level. Crossing the boundary between work and romance needs to be taken seriously because the decision can affect not only you but your coworkers.
How risky is it to your career to date at work? That’s the question you should be contemplating when the love of your life shows up in the next department. The career risks when dating a coworker usually start with the worst-case scenario of a bad breakup and the gossip that will naturally occur around the office. Breakups tend to create tension and the relationship could damage your credibility and professional reputation.
The closer the office romance is in proximity, the greater the risks for your career not to mention if you really like your job and you end up having to work with your ex-sweetheart. You also could be putting yourself in jeopardy with a sexual harassment situation and while you may not lose your job the situation could tarnish your ability to be promoted.
On the positive side, relationships formed at work can make for a happy life as in the case of those professionals who use good judgment and handle their dating at work with a healthy respect for their employers. If you are considering dating a coworker, it is smart to agree ahead of time on how you will handle your relationship at work, topics that are reserved for after hours and interacting among coworkers.
What are your thoughts on dating a coworker? Is this a work policy that needs to be changed?
