Cyrano on Finding and Mentoring Love

Office Romances


Dear Cyrano:

Are workplace romances ever a good idea?

Cyrano: Workplace romances carry risks that can impact your long term success in your chosen profession. If you do become involved in a workplace romantic relationship, strict discretion is always advisable in such matters. However, once the cat is out of the bag, your integrity, professional judgement and objectivity may be questioned as people will talk, gossip and make accusations. Romances do occur in the workplace but are you prepared to deal with the potential consequences?

The more senior/higher up your position within an organization, the more you have to lose in terms of your professional image and reputation. People's perception of you will change. Who you are, your values, and credibility are at stake. Once you become involved in an office romance, you also leave yourself vulnerable to accusations of favouritism, sexual harassment and the possibility of extortion/blackmail.

Compare the following scenarios in which relationships involve individuals working within the same company. Identify potential complications, note your reactions and draw from your own experiences:

1) Two Sales Representatives are romantically involved.
2) The Vice President of Marketing is dating the Office Assistant.
3) A Supervisor asks a Stockroom Clerk out on a date.
4) The Mail Room Clerk is seeing the Office Receptionist.