TRACEY’S PRACTICAL EMPLOYMENT TIP
OF THE MONTH*

August 2008 : DATING IN THE WORKPLACE

Despite the popularity and success of online dating, the workplace still remains an extremely common way in which people develop personal relationships. Given the number of hours spent at work and the close working quarters with possible partners, it would be hard not to develop such relationships. However, for those who cannot resist their co-workers I would counsel you to tread lightly.

At the best of times, the workplace can be a difficult place to manage and cultivate a relationship without the added risk of losing your job or being accused of improper influence, favoritism or even sexual harassment. Most companies today have no fraternization policies that make it a terminable offense to date a co-worker, particularly if one of the parties in the relationship has supervisory authority over the other.

Without throwing cold water on passion, if you are interested in developing a work place relationship you need to be a bit calculating in how you approach it. Know the company policy on fraternization (i.e., does it require disclosure, are such relationships completely taboo, etc.), do not hide it from your colleagues (because you cannot if you truly have found love), will such a relationship engender jealousy among your colleagues, and avoid relationships with employees who report to you.

While work places romances will never be tamed. It would be a shame to lose one’s position over it.

Next Month’s Tip: THE LURE OF STOCK OPTIONS IN START-UPS

Monthly Tip Archive

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