Hunks and Bombshells and How They Can Get You Canned
No matter how attractive you find someone you’re working with, think about getting into this relationship before you fall head over heels with them. If they are a hunk or bombshell, it’s possible they may be more used to starting up relationships or have a higher risk tolerance than you.
While a large percentage of companies don’t have policies against dating those you work with, some do and you should read your company manual first. If you’re in the clear with the company policy, that doesn’t mean you still can’t be considered irresponsible or negligible with your work product. Once folks find out you are in a relationship (and there’s a strong likelihood they will no matter how you try to conceal it), you could be a center of gossip and your productivity perceived as poor, even if you’re trying hard to not have it be affected.
Consider giving your desire a waiting period, such as three months, before taking any actions to move it forward. Weigh the pros and cons.
I myself have had a few of these situations in my young work career. (Fortunately, I’m not alone in this. See Vault’s 2010 Office Romance Survey) In one case, it was not so much that this guy was a hunk, but his senior position and interest in me regrettably provoked my attraction to him at the time. It was short-term and embarrassing, but mostly for me. Then I had to continue to work in the same office daily — awkward.
Then there are cases of sexual harrassment. A recent discussion group on Linkedin proved that most of my female business peers have had past sexual situations occur in their workplace environment. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offers statistics on sexual harrassment. Many cases are related to a kind of employee “hazing.” Should you experience any harrassment, sexual or non-sexual, immediately report it to the head of your Human Resource Deparment (or in the case of no H.R. Dept., to the CEO). Don’t let good looks or position lure you in.
But where it’s a mutual attraction and sincere, talk to a confidential trusted friend and even read some of the situations online from reputable sources. As the Vault report shows, it can lead to long-term relationships, as in the case of my husband’s cousin, who happily married his co-worker after they each left the company. As an entrepreneur, it is not as difficult, especially if you’re not working together every moment.
Just be sure not to fall for the package only, but share mutual values of respect and caring for each other and the work you’re already committed to and engaged in.
For some addititional perspectives, consider reading: When Cupid Strikes at the Cubicle and Office Romance, 9 Keys to Husband’s and Wifes Working Together…plus other great articles online.
Tags: office romance, pros and cons of work relationships, sexual harrassment
