Why Workplace Romance is not Wise
Romance within the workplace is not uncommon, but that doesn't mean it is always worth pursuing. There are definite problems associated with workplace romances, although you do not always consider them when you decide to act upon the chemistry you have with a co-worker. It is more convenient to focus on the fact you are able to spend plenty of time with each other and get to know each other better. However, an office romance can sometimes lead you to engage in unprofessional behaviour that undermines your status within the workplace and makes it difficult for you to achieve your career goals.It is therefore important not to rush into a workplace romance when it is clear that the roles and expectations of you and your partner may become blurred. It is hard to retain complete professionalism when you are involved with someone at work, especially if one of you is in a higher level position. As a manager you may be asked to reprimand a worker for tardiness or poor quality work, but what if that worker is your lover? As a partner you are supposed to be there to offer comfort, support and reassurance. Clearly, this is going to be difficult when you are both a boss and romantic partner.Getting involved with someone at work might lead others to question your professionalism within the workplace, making it a challenge for you or your partner to get ahead. If you reward your partner in some way, it may be regarded as favouritism, even if it is justly deserved for hard work. You may go the other way and come down too hard on your partner, just to show to others that you are not favouring the person you are romantically involved with. Either way, resentment amongst colleagues may become a problem and make your professional life more difficult, whilst life at home won't get any better if your partner thinks you are being unfair.When all is going well in your relationship, you may be prepared to overlook the difficulties of combining your romantic life with work, but this becomes impossible to do when the relationship runs into difficulties. If your partner decides to leave you or has an affair you will probably struggle to keep your relationship difficulties out of the workplace completely. You may still have to work together, but if you hold a grudge against your partner, this may be reflected in your behaviour. Even if you try to treat the other person fairly, you could find it increasingly difficult to work alongside someone who you know so very well and who you can no longer stand to look at.It is hard to look at the possibility of a workplace romance objectively when you are smitten with a colleague and believe yourself to be in love. When you get carried away with the romance of it all, you may not bother to consider the long term consequences of starting a relationship with a colleague. However, it is worth taking a step back and considering whether a workplace romance is really going to be worth it, particularly if your career is important to you.
