Love Hurts

As a code of conduct trainer, I often get asked that what should be done if you really like someone at work. Love knows no barrier, and the cupid’s arrow can strike you anywhere, so when you feel butterflies in your stomach, your heart rate is high and the air in the room feels thick, just make sure it's not because of a gastric discomfort due to overeating last night, before you decide you have been bitten by the love bug.

Falling in love with a colleague can add a dash of romance to the daily grind, or it can be lethal to your career. But fear of the consequences doesn’t tend to deter the office Romeos and Juliets. According to a survey by career website monster.co.uk, an estimated one in four long-term relationships start at work. And why not? You may be a steely career person on the outside, but underneath you’re only flesh and blood. While an office romance can be an interesting theme for TV shows and movies, in real life, if not handled with care, it could make your working life embarrassingly awkward and damage your reputation as well as your personal wellbeing. This is especially painful when you have to brave the presence of the object of your affection at least five days a week, and your feelings are not returned!

There is no law against workplace romances, but it can lead to potentially awkward situations especially if the relationship goes south. At the very least, the workplace becomes an uncomfortable place to be. When workplace relationships end in tears and accusations of harassment, sexual or otherwise, are made, both employees and employers can get embroiled in detailed code of conduct investigations.

For many of us the workplace isn’t just a place where we spend a large percentage of our waking hours, but also a place where we eat many meals, and develop and maintain friendships that last beyond office hours and sometimes even beyond the job itself. When it comes to workplace romance, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons first. You might find the love of your life or lose the best job you’ve ever had. So if you do find yourself falling in love at work, just make sure its real before treading on the path – for love can hurt in more ways than one!

On second thoughts: In the end we only regret the chances we don't take! Leaving with this thought right here to curl up in front of my screen, with two of my favourite Sandra Bullock workplace movies - Two Weeks Notice and The Proposal

Disclaimer: the writer is on sick leave and cannot be held responsible for anything you do after reading this material! And please do not get influenced by movies, they can land you in serious trouble!