Many people have considered the idea of beginning a relationship with a colleague, either a supervisor, subordinate, or equal. There are some very positive elements about having an office romance; indeed some believe the best way to create a true relationship is to find your partner in the office. This is because the different environment: at the office, there is usually no sense of flirting or attraction. You can get to know someone without the fear that they will think you are hitting on them.
Although you can easily find many good reasons to have an office romance, here are the three reasons why they are a bad idea and should be banned.
1. Power. Usually when two colleagues consider an office romance, one of them will likely have more seniority than the other. This raises a serious question: is the person saying yes because they are genuinely attracted to the other, or are they saying yes because they are afraid for their job? This is a very difficult situation. The one with more seniority has crossed a line and compromised their professionalism.
2. Most relationships end. What happens when the office romance comes to an end? How do the two parties continue to work professionally in the same environment? This can create a very uncomfortable place for both parties and the colleagues that pay witness to the romance and its eventual demise.
3. Distraction. Although many people who attempt office romances believe they can keep their personal and business lives separate, in most cases this is impossible. Not only do they have a tendency to become distracted at work, hence become less productive, the colleagues of the two in question will also have a difficult time working with them.
Office romances should indeed be banned. They can cause unprofessionalism, and distraction, not to mention put people in uncomfortable and unnecessary situations.
One day last week I went out with one of my mates after being a little tricked, we attended a Corporate training . I still can’t believe that Jack actually made me go to this, I mean you guys know me, you know this is something that I would never normally partake in. Anyway, it turned out to actually be quite a good time, and shockingly I think I may actually do it again.