Workplace Romance 101

Romance in the workplace is not uncommon these days and there is
probably nothing wrong with this. The problem is many employers find
the idea unacceptable and would rather terminate employees who violate
the related company policy. If you find yourself in this scenario,
you're probably thinking whether or not to get out of it fast. After
all, your job could depend on your decision to keep or end the
relationship. Either way, you may want to reflect more on your
situation before making up your mind.If you're not sure if your
employer would be happy to hear about your relationship with your
co-worker, it pays to find out. Many companies are against workplace
romances and the one you're working in just might be. It's good to
scan your handbook for anything that might say something about this.
You know the situation could get more risky if you're having a
relationship with someone who holds a higher position than you,
whether or not this is discouraged by your employer. For one, this
person could use his influence to make your career suffer if and when
your relationship ends sourly. Worse, you could just end up being
belittled for a promotion or any other professional achievement
because people will start thinking it's all a favor from your
supervisor partner.You should also consider how your relationship will
affect other people in your workplace and the company in general even
when it is with someone on the same corporate level as you. For
example, you are manager of the marketing department and your partner
heads the sales department. We know that sales and marketing are
always dependent on each other and when your relationship doesn't go
well; there is a good chance that the goals of both departments and
those of the company will be compromised.There are many ways companies
handle workplace romances when these are considered against company
policies. One is by transferring the people involved in different
departments or working areas. When the relationship is between a
worker and a manager or supervisor, the person is usually assigned a
different manager or supervisor to report to. In other cases, one may
request for a transfer himself.If you find yourself in a workplace
romance or about to be in one, reflect on the consequences it may
bring not only to you but also to your partner and the company.
Remember that all tasks in any organization are interdependent on each
other and when relationship issues start to affect your work, this
will likely start to affect your partner's and that of other employees
who are working with you. In the end, even the company can be
affected. So before you get yourself embroiled in this situation, get
out of it for your own sake and that of everyone around you.