Myths About Workplace Romances

With many business professionals spending so much of their time at the office, workplace relationships have become increasingly common. While embarking on a new office romance can certainly add some excitement and interest to your workday, dating colleagues can have several drawbacks. Consider the following common myths about workplace relationships.

Nobody Knows About Us

Although it might feel like you're being super discreet and sneaky, you're probably more obvious than you think. Workplace relationships are under a bigger microscope than normal ones, and all it takes is a lingering look or flirty smile to get the office rumor mill churning. You have to consider how you plan to deal with the repercussions if your co-workers discover the relationship.

We Can Keep Politics Out of It

With a workplace relationship, office politics automatically come with the territory. Even if you and your new paramour are peers, someone always has more seniority, more friends or more experience, which can add drama to the situation. Additionally, co-workers who are aware of the relationship might be ready to sniff out any hint of favoritism or preferential treatment, so tread carefully.

This Won't Affect My Performance

Any new relationship can have major affects on your daily behaviors, which can profoundly affect your performance at work. When things are going well, you may find yourself taking more frequent breaks to spend more time with that person, or calling them on the phone more often. If the relationship becomes rocky or ends badly, the workplace environment becomes awkward or even hostile, which can lead to increased anxiety or absenteeism.
We Don't Need to Report to HR

In most cases, even the most casual workplace relationships may violate a company's sexual harassment prevention policy, and therefore require that you report the relationship to the appropriate departments. Companies want to avoid liability if the relationship ends badly, so it's important to be honest about your current status and intentions.

Gender Doesn't Matter

Women involved in workplace relationships have a lot more to lose than their male counterparts. According to the 2015 Global Gender Gap Index, a matrix designed to measure how an economy leverages its female workforce, the United States ranks 28th out of 145 countries. In terms of wage equality, the US comes in at a lowly 74th place. With women in America facing gender and wage inequality, adding a risky office romance to the mix might not be the wisest move.

If you are thinking of beginning a new workplace relationship, it's important to weigh out all the pros and cons first. Think about the potential drawbacks, such as reduced productivity, awkwardness, office gossip and legal issues. Navigating around these issues takes thoughtfulness and discretion, but if the relationship is worth it, it can work successfully.

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