In today’s world, with people longer time at their work places than at their homes, office romances seem to be so common. This is probably the only place we spend the most time interacting with intelligent adults.

In this article we try to bring out the complete analysis of office relationships – the Dos and Don’ts, the pros and cons and eventually how to handle it all.

The pros: 

• You save a lot of time and energy. You can socialize within your work group and this indeed has a lot of positives in terms of understanding too.
• You already have an idea of what your potential partner is like in at least a general way.
• There will be a lot of happy employers. They have their significant others just round the corner and have coffee breaks together and come back for work with a new found zest.
• You will have someone to talk to about your work, who is also into it, and who can understand things in a first hand manner. Life is a lot simpler and easier.
• You can car pool and save on fuel.

The cons:

• No matter how happy you are, how compatible you are, everyone needs some alone time for themselves. And constant company would not let that. Familiarity could breed contempt.
• Imagine what would happen if eventually the relationship fails. You and your partner could or could not have the ability to handle it as mature adults in which case, the situation turns dirty and your private life would end turning into a drama for everyone to watch.
• Relationship with equals could lead to jealousy and professional rivalry with each of the partner wanting to outperform the other at work. With subordinates it could lead to favoritism or even false accusations of the same. With bosses, it could be the same too. Failed relationships have a potential of the subordinates getting fired too.
• Beware of sexual harassment accusations in case of failed relationships.

The Dos of Office Romance

• Check out the fraternization policy. Ensure you are within limits. Keep job change options open if necessary.
• Try to get into different departments, or at least different projects, not because you do not want people to wag tongues, but also because it is healthy for yourself, your career and your work life.
• Be sure it ends amicably. When you breakup, it can be very dirty if things are not handled properly, since both of you will be in the same workplace. You will be seeing each other regularly and it can become very uncomfortable.
• If you are very serious and are intending to tie the knot, keep your senior HR informed at least just out of courtesy.
• Work like you always work. Do not mix personal life with work, because it is very easy and you are more susceptible to doing it now. Be mature, understand and let emotions not affect your work.
• Date someone of equal status. We know the power dynamics equations. Whether you date your superior or sub ordinate, it could prove messy for yourself and the other.

The Don’ts of Office Romance

• Do NOT broadcast your relationship. It would help you remain professional at work. You do not want to become the headlines in the office gossip column, do you?
• Do NOT use your relationship to rise up the career ladder. Look up to yourself. You did not get to where you are using your partner. So, continue to be professional.
• Do NOT get jealous if your partner’s work companion or project mate is of the other gender and they need to spend a lot of time related to work. This is the most common reasons office relationships breakup.
• A definite NO is public display of affection in office. It is unprofessional, embarrassing and totally undignified.
• And, oh yes, love is blind, but your colleagues are not. So, be as careful as you think is necessary.

Work place demands professionalism, maintaining healthy boundaries and clear roles and responsibilities. Happy relationships involve mutual trust, care, understanding, respect, healthy communication and striking a balance between work and personal life.

These are just tips for you to ponder and use. There is no complete checklist in love.