Relationship Tips When Dating A Co-Worker

By Jordan Canon

People send so much time in their working environment, is dating a co-worker inevitable? Yes, it is fun and you probably have mastered the drill. Flirtatious glances during office meetings, spending time on breaks and during lunch hour, and enjoying an end-of-the-week happy hour together; with all of this time spent in each other's company, dating a co-worker may appear to be one of the most promising romances there is.

In fact, research shows that 40% of employees admitted that they had an office romance at least once, and half of that percentage ended in marriage. However, is it worth bending or going against office rules and policies? Why is dating a co-worker so appealing?

Time is by far the biggest factor as to why many take a gamble on turning their office crushes into something more special. When you date a co-worker, chances are you will work similar office hours and many times in the same department. You end up spending more time with each other, plus there is always someone you care about there to boost you up when you're down.

Next, there are fewer chances of infidelity issues when you date a co-worker, especially if you work in a small workplace. Not only do you see each other often, but there is also less competition to win over your partner's heart. And if there are certain issues like this, you'll probably be the first one to know.

Having someone with whom you can talk to when your boss is on the rampage, or someone who can pat you on the shoulders and say, "it's okay," if you have been reprimanded in the office can be very comforting. It gives you a sense of security that no one would give as much support to you when you're mentally or emotionally down at work.

And of course, the thrill and excitement it may give you when you rush in the elevator just in time to see them walk across the hall, appreciating how they look dressed up in their office outfit or simply seeing their perfect smile can be an electrifying day-to-day experience. Having that sense of excitement and well-being during the day can improve your performance and can even bring a positive environment into the office.

Reasons Why You Shouldn't Date Your Co-worker

If you are considering dating your co-worker, then you must consider the other side of the coin first, to find out the risks of dating one before jumping into something that you could regret in the long run. Office gossip and jealousy can be expected. No matter how small or large your office is, odds are your relationship will be the talk of the town. This can create tension between you and your partner as well as everyone else at work.

Not only that, your jealous co-workers can also pose a threat, especially if everyone knows you are involved in a forbidden love. There are two scenarios. If you are the boss of the company, your subordinates can attempt to walk the corporate ladder and use your relationship as collateral. Alternatively, if you are a mere employee, they can do the same and still use your relationship to rub elbows with the bosses.

What does this leave you and your date? If you are willing to risk it, you'll probably receive a memo or warning, or worst-case scenario, a termination notice or an ending of your contract. Dating a co-worker can also threaten a potential promotion, or can demote you back to your old position.

The time you spend flirting with your partner can also pose a threat. It can impact your productivity, thereby decreasing your performance. Yes, your love interest can inspire you, but they can also put you off the track.

Lastly, if you're involved in a relationship with your boss, then you can't stop others from thinking that possible favoritism can favor you. Others won't like having any competition from positions that they may have been eyeing for years. You can be alienated by your colleagues, and tension may always end up arising.

Tips To Maintain A Happy Relationship With Your Co-worker

Understanding how to maintain a healthy relationship with your co-worker can produce a love satisfaction that may even flourish into something more in the long run. Before you pursue a relationship any further, though, there are a few issues you must see to first.

• Check your work contract or employee handbook. Make sure you read the fine print before pursuing any love affair. Some companies may only prohibit a public display of affection and would not mind seeing both of you hold hands after office work, while others can go as far as terminating both parties instantly. So, if you love the person, and you love your job as much, you may want to wait for the right place and the right time to pursue your love, or better yet, resign or forget about it.


• Consider getting a relationship compatibility reading. This reading can provide you with great insights you may not have thought of, and help you to improve your communication skills. They not only work with co-workers, but with any relationship you may in.


• Set your boundaries. Even if the office does not mind having romance in the air, it is still important you maintain a level of respect, for both yourselves and for everyone else around you. No kissing in the office, no lunch dates and holding hands in the common lunch area, no passing of notes every time you miss her or want to flirt with each other, and absolutely no fighting or airing personal grievances in the presence of others. You must put work first above everything. Make sure your performance doesn't decrease. Instead, use your love to inspire you to be the best at work.


• Also, if anything goes with your relationship, make sure it doesn't affect your work. For instance, if you and your partner break up, or if you're the boss and your lover is your subordinate, don't make any of these issues affect how you treat each other and how you behave in the office. Personal problems should always stay personal.

Dating your co-worker can be a thrill. It may even be the last romance you would ever have before you leave your single days behind you. But knowing your limitations first and how to behave is very important. You have to be mindful that not only you and your partner are involved, but everyone else in the office, too. Respect should never be put aside.

Jordan Canon is an International Spiritual Advisor who help people learn how to create the future they wish to experience by harness the energy of the universe. Learn more about evolving your soul through your spiritual relationships by visiting his website.

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