Romance in the office happens more often than you think! Sometimes it leads to the real deal and other times, it leads to heartbreak, which is why it’s important to know how to make it work. If not, the office can become an awkward environment for all concerned. This is one of the reasons certain offices have a policy in place that states you should not date your co-workers. However, your place of work is often the main place to meet people and romance can certainly blossom, meaning many people will want to keep their options open…
Be clever about an office romance
If you are dating a colleague, don’t make a big deal of it in the office and keep it professional. It is always best to be clever and aware of what an office romance can involve. It’s important not to jeopardize your career, which means no hiding in the cleaner’s cupboard or being openly affectionate in a meeting. There are other ways to show your affection without PDA too, which could include sending flowers to your other half discreetly. Serenata Flowers will deliver an array of beautiful blooms directly to your loved one’s desk and no one else has to know who they are from. Alternatively, why not send blooms to their home address as a means of brightening up their day when they arrive home? A set of brightly colored romantic blooms will look fantastic when placed on their windowsill or as a table centerpiece.
Keep the office romance in order
Be honest with your boss and co-workers. This is especially the case if you spend time with them outside of work. There is little point in trying to hide a relationship that has become serious but always keep it low key until you’re both sure about taking it to the next stage. It is important to be very, very certain about a relationship with a colleague. Before entering into this relationship, make sure it’s real and not just the result of a shared frustration or bonding over an intense project. This should ensure that both people are on the same page and will hopefully avoid any potential issues in the office when more co-workers are aware of the situation.
Check your office policies
Each workplace will have different rules about workplace relationships in place, it’s important to be mindful of these and be sure to read up on all their regulations. Falling head over heels for a colleague is all fun and games until you realize it’s an office offense. If you’re unsure, simply ask your boss for clarity or raise the topic with the HR team. Just be prepared – you might be told something you don’t want to hear!
Be professional at all times
Even if an office romance isn’t against the rules, it’s still important to stay professional when in the workplace. Don’t spend all hours at each other’s desks or emailing each other. You are there to work at the end of the day, not to flirt! Instead, use your lunch breaks and after working hours to gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, and reserve the romantic gestures to places away from the office! Think a bouquet of beautiful flowers and a romantic dinner for starters!
Dating higher up in the office chair
Co-workers enjoying a romance are likely to be criticized by others in the office, especially if the blossoming love is between colleagues at different stages of their careers. Office gossip is likely to state that one person is in it for a raise when this is probably far from the case. It is therefore important to know your boundaries. Avoid flirting in the office and treat your other half as a colleague in the workplace and a partner outside. Continue to work hard at your job and avoid any scenarios that could suggest favoritism.
How to deal with issues
All romances can go wrong sometimes. You may find that you’re simply not right for each other, or that there is no chemistry. This is when your professionalism should come into play. You should go into the relationship from the beginning knowing it may not work out and equally knowing what to expect if it doesn’t. If you both wish to continue working in the same place, you’ll unlikely be able to avoid each other forever. Any disagreements should be dealt with outside of office hours and you should both be able to compromise if one of you can’t face working with the other. A transfer may work, otherwise, you may need to be prepared to start looking for another position. All this being said, an office romance can become something that blossoms into a lifelong relationship, or even marriage.