Many romantic relationships begin in the workplace. They can, however, affect the operation of an organization. There are many issues to consider:
- First… does your employer have a policy that will affect your decision to take the plunge and accept a date or propose a date with a co-worker?
- What happens if the romance ends? If you and the ex-love of your life work in the same department or even worse, if one of you has supervisory responsibilities over the other, will your work life become unbearable?
- How will your office romance affect your other coworkers? Will they enjoy the happiness you display or will they be suspicious that one or both of you are reaping some other benefits such as a relaxation of job performance expectations or an unfair advantage when promotions or bonuses are handed out?
- If your romance does lead to marriage… will one of you have to leave your job because your employer doesn’t allow domestic partners to work in the same division?
These are just a few of the hard questions that come up when we look at how co-worker romance can. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can help both the employer and the affected employees deal with these kinds of issues. Professional counseling can help clarify options and assist employees to make responsible decisions regarding personal choices that will affect their work life.