49 percent of men and women worldwide have already fallen in love with a colleague right in the workplace. Moreover, those older than 30 years old have almost no other chance! Since, according to recent statistics, over two-thirds of all romantic relationships arise in the workplace. The reason is apparent: people spend a lot of time there and have the opportunity to get to know each other slowly and thoroughly. You can feel whether the particular person is understanding, whether you get along well together, whether you can resolve conflicts, etc. In addition, an exciting shared job often results in mind-blowing conversations.
The examples that prove the success of such romances are everywhere. Ex-US President Barack Obama also met his wife Michelle while working in a law firm! So no wonder that relationships between colleagues can succeed because they have many things in common. But it can still be problematic when love and work become united into one… And that’s what we want to talk about today.
Let’s consider the most significant disadvantages of an average office romance. After reading them, you need to decide: is it really worth asking your pretty co-worker out? Or maybe a single Russian woman deserves your attention instead?
The risk of being hoodwinked.
No matter how much you don’t want to think about it – but sometimes the most prosaic reasons are hidden behind the hot affair with a colleague. Therefore, try to assess the situation properly (make a cool-headed analysis). What if the girl you are flirting with, following advice from the ageless Hollywood comedy, is trying to captivate you in order to achieve the desired promotion, approve of an important contract, or gain access to valuable information? Listen to your intuition, be careful, do not rush, and carefully observe the behavior of your lady. Although, only time will tell how sincere her feelings are.
For other staff, your romance is a kind of reality show.
You can convince yourself as much as you like that you and your lover can act as nothing happens between you two. But do not even doubt: even a trainee from an accountant department, whose name you most likely do not remember, knows about your relationship.
Don’t take it personally, but all office romances are like a TV series, the sort of live reality show. And, as a rule, for the viewers (your colleagues), there is nothing more interesting than discussing the events of the latest episodes. So be prepared to courageously accept that your relationship will become the object of close observation and endless gossip of everyone around you.
It may be risky for your career.
When experts talk about the benefits of relationships between a man and a woman who work together – they usually become more creative. But keep in mind that a romantic relationship with a colleague can not only increase but, on the contrary, powerfully reduce your efficiency. And sometimes even cost you your career…
Imagine how torture your cozy office will turn out to be if the romance ends in a painful breakup – especially if you are not the initiator of it. Or imagine the difficult situation you will find yourself in if management makes you the boss of your loved one. It means you would have to set tasks for her and reprimand her for being late or failing to meet deadlines. It is not for nothing – that in some companies, love relationships between co-workers are prohibited. Also, lovebirds often need to sign documents that include clauses on behavior ethics in the workplace. It includes time management (so that lovers don’t waste time communicating by mail and over tea) and participating in joint projects.
