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 It’s one of our top ten no-go areas (click here to find out more) and yet it happens every day in the ordinary workplace.
From getting handsy in the storeroom at McDonalds in your teens, to email flirting with Graeme from sales in your first office job – the workplace relationship can have disastorous consequences.
 But what happens when you get into the serious workforce? And are workmate flings really worth the fall out, career-wise or otherwise?
Why it happens Workplace flings are as common as Holdens in Henderson – in fact, one in five couples claim that their relationship began in the workplace. Why? Well, chances are you see the people at work more often than anyone else you know, including your children, your best friend or your mother. And discussing how much your jobs sucks with someone who understands – because they are also suffering – can create real feelings of affinity. After a while, these feelings grow, your subjects change, and after a while you’re not really talking much at all…  When you are in a relationshipAgain, even the happily married of us can spend more
(or as much) time with our colleagues as we do with our partners. And when we have been with our partners for a while, the attention of a brand new crush can seem tempting. It is even more tempting if things at home aren’t perfect. The fact is, though, spending all this time with someone at work can be misleading. Out in the real world he or she could be a completely different person.  It is never cool to do the dirty on your partner, so if you plan on following through with your crush – or you think you might be getting desperately close to doing something you’ll regret, think carefully about your relationship. What is it that makes you dissatisfied? It could be time to call it quits, but know that your crush might not necessarily be the answer. He or she might be flirting with you simply because you are unavailable. Be prepared for disappointment – and be sure that this is what you want. If you know in your heart that it is nothing serious,
great – but you need to walk away from the object of your office affections. Don’t keep flirting, because chances are it will lead somewhere. And you will regret it. Or you might be leading him on, which isn’t cool either. The odd flirt is harmless, but you will know if you are treading the line. When he is in a relationship  There can be something sexy about being the other woman – for about ten minutes. Getting it on with someone who has got someone else will always – always – result in some kind of heartache, be it yours, hers or his, or all of the above. Either he won’t leave her for you, or she will find out, leaving you with a sobbing mess of a man to wonder over. Or she might come close to finding out – scaring him into dumping you. Basically, it’s not worth it. If you want to go out with a person from work who is already in a relationship, ask them to leave their partner. If they won’t, don’t. But again, be ready for the fall-out. If he denies you, the emotional turmoil could see you looking for a new job. Do you really want that?  Why your boss caresSome findings state that a workplace relationship actually boosts morale and productivity, but this is a point of view that most employers will not share. For many managers, a workplace fling can be seen as distracting and dangerous. If it falls apart, they can risk losing one or both of you – or deal with hostility in the work environment. Your HR department may even have a policy on workplace relationships. If you do find yourself in a relationship with someone at work, make sure your job isn’t coming second to the fling. Put your career first, because it may be a lot longer-lasting than this relationship. Camille Butler |
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