But for many times, this friendship transform into a relationship that in most of the cases fail. There are many risks that make this very difficult to maintain. But not many people know about this before they start a relationship. So, if you are a very busy man too and spend all your time in an office, and decided to date with a co-worker, you should take a closer look at all the potential benefits and disasters that could be associated with this new career move.
There are some aspects that you should take in consideration:
-Before you ask your co-worker for a possible date, check if your company has an employee dating policy; the company may have strict rules about any relationship that forum between you two; also think about how much you are wiling to risk your career for this relationship from the beginning
-If you didn't ask her for a date already, and don't know how to do it, you may organize a group outing or event and invite her; but if she refuse, you have to think at something else; suggest something casual like dinner or movie
-Before ask her for a date, make sure that you know as much as you can about her; so develop an office relationship before you develop a romantic one
-You must think about what happens if your relationship doesn't work; will you be able to handle the situation to see your co-worker every day, to interact her daily? It may be very difficult to re-establish a professional demeanor with a person
-At final one of you have to leave this job because thing's don't work out or because it's against the company policy to date fellow employees
-Or worst, you don't know what your partner is capable to do if things don't work between you two, it may be ruining your career
-Dating a co-worker can affect your work, if you are unable to differentiate between work and pleasure; so agree to not flirt at work, you have to set up relationship rules for the workplace
-Avoid signs of affection in public such as hand holding, kisses, flirting; you'd better meet off-site for lunch or after program hours
-It is true that you have a lot in common, that you will go with pleasure every morning at the office anxious to see her, and it is a person with who you will always have what to speak about;
-You have someone to confide in concerning your work problems; she may be a great help; but, there are more negatives aspects about this kinds of relationships
-Remember that you have to maintain a professional image, so don't let your relationship affect your performance; if your romance is affecting your work, you may be asked to end your relationship or to find another job
-A relationship like this can create problems in your promotion; the boss may see that you are more preoccupied by your partner than your work
-Develop open communication, if you are dating with a co-worker think about the fact that you have to have two different types of relationships, business and romantic, with the same person;
-Never date with a subordinate because you may be accused for favoritism by the others employers; the others co-workers will exclude you now from certain conversations, will not discuss anymore with you about privacy
-If you spend more and more time with her during the office hours, the more and more you will distance yourself from your associates, those you've developed personal relationships with;
-If you start a relationship with a co-worker it is better to keep it secret; it will need a lot of discretion, energy and effort to keep your office romance just between you two; so don't tell your colleagues about your romance because your both work will be definitely affected
-Also avoid sending electronic love messages or letters because some companies prohibit the use of company e-mails system for personal use, others reserves the right to access or disclose electronic messages or files of an employee
-As a benefit, you get to have lunch together; so from a usual boring office lunch, you can have part of one full of flirting
As you see there are some benefits but most of them are downsides. I suggest you to think very well if you really want to get into a relationship that may affect your career and if you are ready to do this. As I said, it may be very difficult to make it work. But, it remains at your choice what you are going to do.
