Avoid Workplace Relationships as Much as Possible

Don’t dip your pen in company ink.

Most employees know and live by this adage all too well. For the unfamiliar, this saying is telling you to avoid romantic workplace relationships.

Sparks flying in workplaces aren’t new. Most of our days are spent at work, even in the age of remote setups. Whether you like it or not, we can’t totally avoid interacting with and forming bonds with fellow employees. Sometimes, those bonds grow into personal relationships, which can then evolve into romantic ones.

Workplace romances happen for different reasons. One, the two parties involved are simply attracted to each other. Two, they’re bored and are looking for fun. Three, they need stress relievers. And four, they want something from or look to benefit from someone.

Now that you know the reasons, some of you may wonder if relationships like these are a great idea. Why not spice things up in the office with a bit of romance, right?

Alluring as they are, workplace relationships are a pretty slippery slope. As if work isn’t stressful enough, adding them into the mix is another headache — especially if they end badly.

Why Should You Keep Yourself Out of Workplace Relationships?

There are reasonable arguments for avoiding workplace relationships. Take these points into consideration when the thought crosses your mind:

Company policy says so.

Although companies can’t dictate people’s personal lives, they have their reasons for establishing rules regarding workplace relationships. Their risky nature comes with a host of liabilities that they’d rather not deal with.

They’re distractions.

When a couple’s workplace romance gets revealed, they can’t stop people from talking about it. The attention garnered from gossip can distract everyone from doing their jobs, and lost productivity and efficiency is always a recipe for a workplace disaster.

You have a much bigger fish to fry — your career!

The potential liabilities workplace romances bring can bring devastating blows to your professional life. Keep business and pleasure in separate realms to keep the peace in both.

How to Avoid Workplace Relationships

Steer clear of compromising situations and follow these practical tips:

#1: Set firm boundaries.

Since you’re 100% sure about avoiding office romances, establish reasonable boundaries you can see yourself following in the long-term. Remind yourself of the risks that come with these relationships to further assert them.

#2: Keep professionalism up.

You don’t have to be chummy with everyone at work. However, you should at least be respectful to your fellow employees. Treat everyone equally to squash any hidden hopes brewing in suspicious individuals.

#3: Call out anything unwarranted.

Let’s say someone’s making an unwanted move on you. Shoot them down by dropping hints of your disinterest. If they can’t take them, be upfront (which is different from being harsh) about your avoidance.

If the aggressor remains persistent, review your company’s policy regarding harassment. This will help you deliver a proper report to the relevant authorities for escalation, which you should do not long after reading the rules.

Are workplace relationships tempting? Yes. But for you and your career’s sake, it’s best to avoid them and stay out of trouble. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.