Why Office Dating Isn’t so Bad – Yes
We know that it is not in one's best interest to bring personal matters to work. This can end up being a distraction, or can ultimately lead to losing a job. Let's face it: you are at your job to work, not to make friends.
As much as this old way of thinking may be right, the majority of us break the rules. How can you not bring your life into your job, when you are likely there during the majority of your time, most days out of the year? Friendships end up blossoming at work, as they do in other aspects of our lives. Is it fair that you can make friends at special-interest clubs but not at work? Some might argue that the difference lies in the fact that you are getting paid, so your time at the workplace should be devoted accordingly. True, but getting to know your fellow co-workers is inevitable. Also, friendships amongst superiors and their employees usually creates better morale. Those of higher authority may cringe, but they know this to be a fact.
So what happens if a friendship starts to blossom into something more? Managers usually don't condone inter-office dating, but most let it go. Now the manager dating an employee is a whole other story, which sparks much debate.
Let's say one becomes great friends with their manager and they start hanging out outside of work (i.e., they don't use time on the job as personal time). Then the relationship turns to the next level. This isn't really a big deal if they keep it out of the office and don't let it interfere with their work. As one who has personally experienced this, I can tell you that if the intentions are good from both parties, then it really isn't a big deal.
However, if the relationship is more of an affair, then it will inevitably end up being devastation to one or both parties when it ends, and interfere with work due to such emotions. (Remember what happened to Bridget Jones?).
In some cases, it is corporate policy for a manager not to be involved with a subordinate. If that is the case, then not dating each other is definitely the safest route. Yet some end up doing so anyway, without others finding out...because it was kept out of the workplace, so it's no one's business.
One can't predict when or where they find true love. So what if it happens to be between a manager and subordinate in the same workplace; is it really fair to end it if it is something that could have worked out? All in all, this question about dating really depends on the people involved and their true intentions. Sometimes you just never know; you may meet the love of your life.
