Sometimes, workplace romance is inevitable. When you spend more time in the office than you do than you do with family and friends, there’s a high chance that you may feel attracted to a colleague. You see your co-workers every day, and you have some things in common.
When you spend the bulk of your time at work and interact with your colleagues, you get to move past being vaguely acquainted with them to knowing them on a personal, day-to-day level. You get to understand their personality and have a feel of their values and intelligence. Being together on the same projects or in the same department or even spending break time together can create chemistry between two co-workers. This kind of growing intimacy is often the perfect recipe for a relationship.
According to a survey conducted by Vault, more 50% of the respondents admitted to dating a co-worker. With such a significant population engaging in an office romance, it’s vital that you know what workplace romance entails. Like every other thing, it has its pros and cons, and having a clear understanding of workplace romance can prepare you for whatever choice you make. You may be the next target of Cupid, and you want to have with all the information you need.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of workplace romance.
Pros
- You can understand each other’s demand and grievances
A couple with different jobs typically works hard to keep up with each other’s experiences at work. When there’s an extra demand at work, it’s difficult for the other partner to understand and relate to the explanations they receive. But this changes when it’s a workplace romance. You both have a perfect understanding of the work environment and can easily relate when one of you has a huge workload to deal with.
Also, it’s easy to understand each other’s grievances as you relate to the same group of people. There will be few incidences of forgetting something your partner tells you or mixing up the details. The mutual understanding can help strengthen your relationship.
- You get to see each other all the time
Sometimes, work drives couples apart. Having to be away from each other for almost the whole day can create an emotional distance between the two of you. It means you both have to work hard at making your relationship work. But the case is different with office romance. You don’t have to count down hours to see each other. Whether you work in the same department or not, you can still catch up with your partner during coffee breaks, lunchtime activities and even hang out on your way home.
- You have an extra reason to look forward to your workplace
Sometimes, it’s difficult maintaining your excitement about going to work. You may see work as a place to tire yourself out with the pile of work on your desk. But having a special someone at your workplace can infuse you with excitement and make you look forward to work. You now have a reason to arrive at the office earlier, work speedily past complex tasks and even leave office late. Your optimism for work is fired up, and you’re motivated to give your best because you can easily see the person your life.
- Your workplace romance is secret and steamy
Most people try to keep their office romance under wraps – at least for a start. Nothing makes an activity exciting like when it’s a secret. Whether you’re having a fling or a serious relationship, a secret workplace romance offers no dull moments. From the eye communications between the two of you to simple statements with a flirty undertone to piling off clothes in a secluded space, workplace romance is exciting and steamy.
Cons
- It’s hard to keep a secret for long
You can’t fool everyone forever. There’s just something that will let the cat out of the bag. That can be a problem if you’re someone who loves your privacy. Perhaps, you both didn’t want to reveal your relationship till you’re both sure it’s something serious. The entire workplace finding out can ruin that for you and your partner. As soon as co-workers learn of your young love life, you instantly become the subject of gossips, and all eyes are fixed on you.
- You get to see your partner all the time
While this is an advantage, it can be a disadvantage too. Having to see your partner all the time can be too much for many individuals to handle. It may seem cool at first, but it’s only a matter of time before you feel suffocated with their presence. You can love someone and not get to see them every day. And if you’re the type that likes solitude and treasures your space, it’s only a matter of time before it gets to you.
- It may lower your productivity
It’s little wonder why most organizations frown at workplace romance while others have a workplace romance policy in place that strict on relationships. While you bask in the feeling of being in love, it’s easy for you to lose track of time at lunch break or when you sneak off together to a secluded place. This could slow down your output or make you work harder at meeting deadlines.
- Breakups can be painful
Breakups are still hard to deal with. There’s no guarantee that your workplace romance will lead to forever. Dealing with breakups when your ex is around all the time is disconcerting and can make you lose points on your productivity. There’s hardly a way you can control the negative impact it may have on your output. With your ex all around you, you’d have to work harder at becoming whole again. And should your partner be above you on the corporate ladder, it could lead to inappropriate or threatening situations. It could lead to a case of sexual harassment or other types of bullying at the office.
- You no longer get the credit for your hard work
When you date your boss, it’s easy for others to assume that you receive favors because of your relationship. It’s only a matter of time before your co-workers undermine the integrity of your boss by accusing him of bias. That can cause you mental stress even though you’re still making valuable contributions to the organization.
