Nov 20, 2022 09:00:00

4 questions to ask yourself before starting an office romance

There are many cases where you meet an attractive person at the 'workplace' and develop into a romantic relationship, but there are some points to be aware of when it comes to workplace romance. Therefore,

Chantal Gauthier , a lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom, explains ``Four questions to ask yourself before dating someone at work''.

Workplace romance: four questions to ask yourself before dating someone from the office
https://theconversation.com/workplace-romance-four-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-dating-someone-from-the-office-187809

In recent years, remote work has been promoted due to the pandemic, but the culture of workplace romance still exists. It is known that people are more likely to be attracted to people who share common traits, beliefs, and ideas.In addition, there is also the influence of the mere exposure effect , in which people who come into contact more frequently become more friendly and attractive, and work in the same workplace. It is said that it is easy to develop into a romantic relationship with the other party. A 2020 survey in the UK found that 18% of people said they met their partner at work.

However, as evidenced by the existence of companies that view workplace romance as a taboo, various inconveniences can arise if a person develops a romantic relationship with someone who works in the same workplace. So Gautier argues that you should ask yourself the following four questions before workplace romance.

◆1: Is there a hierarchical relationship with the other party?
Gautier points out that if the person you are trying to date is a boss at work and you are a subordinate, it may develop into a workplace romance and hinder promotion and career advancement. increase. Intuitively, you might have an image that if your boss is your partner, you are likely to be favored for promotion, but a 2016 study found that subordinates who date their boss have fewer opportunities for promotion and training than colleagues who do not. It is shown that

◆ 2: How does love affect work performance?
A 2013

study suggests that feelings of passion and love can negatively impact productivity, especially in the early stages of a relationship. Workplace romances can have an even more negative impact on productivity, as they often see their partners face-to-face at work.

As a way to reduce the impact of workplace romances on productivity, Gautier said, 'minimize communication of a non-work-related nature unless absolutely necessary' and 'hold hands or kiss at work.' I sent advice such as 'Avoid physical contact.'

◆3: Does the organization allow workplace romance?
If workplace romance is not allowed in your organization and it develops into a romantic relationship, the two of you will need to keep the relationship under wraps. Also, in the United States, if employees are in a romantic relationship, they may be required to submit a ``love contract'' that indicates that the mutual relationship is voluntary based on agreement. It seems that this is to prevent damage to the company and employer by suing the other party as harassment when the couple breaks up.

◆ 4: What happens if you break up?
No one starts a relationship with the expectation that they will break up, but since you can't say for sure that there will never be a breakup, you need to prepare in advance. If it's not a work relationship, it might just be a lack of productivity or a need to take a break to pick yourself up. must be considered.

Mr. Gautier advises that if a workplace romance breaks down, you can apply for a team transfer or work remotely until you feel calmer. Also, if the workplace offers a counseling program that supports the mental health of employees, it is also ant to use it.

Gauthier also offers advice to employers, saying, 'How employers manage workplace romances should be based on acknowledging that workplace romances happen and that happy, satisfied employees are more productive. It's in the employer's best interest to support the well-being of employees, even when they fall in love.' said.