up different avenues. But you need to add a little bit of
caution to relationships at the workplace as this could lead
to a tarnished image, awkwardness and even job loss at
times.
However, if you really like someone, we suggest you go for
it, after all there's only one life to do it all.
And while you are ready to take the plunge, make sure you
do so with caution and take note of these ground rules for a
fun workplace fling.
1. Keep it professional: When at work don't spend time
with your partner. Do what you're there for. Never
compromise your work time for quality time with the
other person. This could make people suspicious and
resentful towards you. It's best to avoid all kinds of
extra attention at this point.
2. Leave personal chats for post work dates: The one
important ground rule is to keep your relationship
limited to professional talks at work. You could make
exceptions when on lunch breaks or group outings but
when in the office keep it work-related only. Limit the
other talks to post work hours.
3. Do not use official communication: Ditch the company
communication system at work when talking to your
man. Work emails and computers are easily accessible
by all and can create quite an embarrassing situation
when out in the open. Rather use SMSs and keep it
short and simple but interesting.
4. Don't just take off: Little breaks during office hours
with that special someone or secluded lunch dates can
be questionable. So it's best to avoid going out alone
with your partner especially on office premises. It'll
only take a spark to light the fire of rumours.
5. Avoid dating your subordinates: Think again if you are
planning on dating your subordinate. A senior or junior
member of your own team is more likely to make you a
subject to sexual harassment claims. If you are dating
a co-worker from another team then things are more
relaxed.
6. Declare the relationship if it's serious: If you are in a
serious relationship and are planning to take things
forward you might not want to play hide and seek. Plus
most people won't mind the relationship at all and will
be happy for you both so don't keep it under wraps if it
doesn't need to be.
7. Elevator adventures: Steamy sexual adventures in the
elevator are things that most people dream of and you
are one of the few who can actually practice them so
make the most of it and use your alone time in the
elevators rightly. P.S: Be extra careful with the security
cameras that could be troublemakers.
8. Don't indulge in PDA: Public Display of Affection can be
a trigger of resentment especially in an office romance
so make sure you set your boundaries straight and
don't irk your colleagues. The hugging, holding hands
and even light nudges can wait till after work.
9. Career comes first: Whatever the scene may be, your
career always comes first so don't neglect it for your
temporary relationship. Don't let your equation with
your co-worker come in the way of your work especially
if it involves bailing your partner out of a sticky
situation.
0. Have a breakup plan: If you are not that into each other
then it's best to have a breakup plan. Make sure you
decide what and how you both will take it forward after
you part ways as things are bound to get awkward. It's
best to maintain a basic friendship that will make it
easy to face each other.