Workplace romance can be a touchy subject, and opinions on it vary depending on the person and situation. But is workplace romance really a bad idea? According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, approximately 41% of employees have dated someone at work.

According to a survey by dating app QuackQuack, one in every five employees in India have dated or know someone who has dated their coworker. The survey also showed that despite most companies adopting a WFH (Work From Home) or hybrid mode of working also didn't stop employees from dating their colleagues.

Furthermore, one study found that those who date co-workers tend to be more satisfied with their job overall. For this reason, it's important to take an objective look at workplace romance to determine whether or not it could potentially benefit individuals and their employers.

 

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Romancing In The Workplace: A Good Idea?

Romancing in the workplace is a complicated issue that requires much consideration. Though it can certainly lead to a successful relationship, it is also filled with potential pitfalls.

For some, office romance can create a more positive work environment with an increased sense of closeness between colleagues who are already familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. But for others, it can lead to feelings of distraction and unprofessionalism that may result in negative consequences for everyone involved. In order to choose wisely when considering romantic involvement at work, understanding the potential risks is essential. In some cases, employees may risk losing their job or even facing legal action if they don’t handle their relationships appropriately.

 

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Unexpected Attraction At The Workplace

It's no secret that work and romance can be a tricky mix. We've all seen movies where two co-workers fall madly in love, like "The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, but it's not always that simple in real life. So why does this happen? For starters, people spend much of their time at work so it makes sense that they would form bonds beyond just being colleagues. They may share similar values or interests which can create an emotional connection between them. Additionally, working together often creates a certain level of respect as each colleague learns more about the other, this can lead to admiration or even attraction.

According to a 2018 Vault.com survey, 58% of employees have engaged in a romantic relationship with a colleague. About 72% of those over the age of 50 have been romantically involved with a coworker. Here are some reasons that could potentially be the reason why colleagues get involved romantically.

 

Similarity: You could bond over mutual interests and life events.

Time: As time passes, you gradually open up to the individuals you spend the most quality moments with and reveal deeply personal aspects of your life.

Ease of Opportunity: With the added bonus of familiarity, dating someone you already know is a much smoother and more straightforward way to find romance than taking a gamble on someone new.

Hookup: It can be purely physical, with no strings attached.

 

Related story: How To Deal With Toxic Co-workers

 

Potential Benefits Of Dating Another Employee

The idea of dating a colleague is often met with hesitation. After all, it can make for an awkward work environment if things go south. But what if the two of you hit it off and it turns into something more? Could there be potential benefits to dating someone who already works with you? Let's take a closer look at this scenario and explore some of the advantages that come with office romances.

• You have an inseparable lunch companion, a reliable work colleague, a trustworthy carpool partner, and date to corporate gatherings.
• You likely share similar work schedules and vacation days.
• Work becomes exciting to go to.
• Your partner will understand the minutiae of your day since you are mutually connected to shared friends and acquaintances.

 

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Making Office Romance A Success: Dos & Don'ts

Office romances are becoming increasingly common, so it's important that couples know how to make them a success. If you're considering starting up an office romance, here are some dos & don'ts to ensure your relationship blossoms.

Principles to Remember While Dating a Coworker:

Dos:

• Learn about the several risks of dating someone from the workplace.
• Learn about the policies of your employer and the thinking behind them.
• Discuss what your plan might be if things don't work out between the two of you.

 

Don'ts:

• If you're not looking for a serious commitment, don't try to pursue a romantic relationship with a colleague.
• Never date someone with whom you have a reporting arrangement; they could be your supervisor, manager, or someone who is higher up on the corporate ladder than you.
• Don't try to keep your relationship a secret from your manager or co-workers; doing so will only damage trust.

 

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When Is It  A Good Time To Go Public With Your Romance?

When it comes to relationships, everyone has their own timeline when it comes to going public. Some couples may prefer to keep their relationship out of the spotlight, while others can't wait to share their newfound love with the world. But when is the right time?

First, it's important to consider how going public could affect you professionally. If you work in an industry that frowns upon such relationships, talking about it openly may lead to repercussions for both parties involved.

In addition, before going public with your workplace romance, think about how both of you will handle questions from colleagues or new acquaintances about your relationship.

Whether it's telling friends and family about your new bae at work or making it official on social media,there are several indicators that you may be ready for this step. The most obvious sign is how comfortable you are with each other. If you feel like the two of you have a strong connection and understand each other well enough then taking things one step further could make sense. At the end of the day, it’s important to be on the same page.

Workplace romance is a complex scenario that requires careful consideration. Whether you are in a relationship with someone from work or considering it, make sure to weigh the pros and cons before taking the plunge. Do your research, talk to those who have experienced workplace relationships first-hand, and get to know yourself and your values. Then make an informed decision about whether workplace romance is right for you.

 

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