Workplace romance can affect output

Sep 22, 2009

OFFICE dating has many challenges, although it has worked for some couples. There are two types of relationships that form in the workplace, according to Ruth Senyonyi, a counsellor at Bank of Uganda. The first is built out of common hobbies, ‘chemistry

BY R. HARSHBARGER

OFFICE dating has many challenges, although it has worked for some couples. There are two types of relationships that form in the workplace, according to Ruth Senyonyi, a counsellor at Bank of Uganda. The first is built out of common hobbies, ‘chemistry’, and the time spent together. The second are relationships used to get ahead.

A lower-level employee might date someone managing the company, or their supervisor. A staff member could date an intern. These relationships are viewed suspiciously by other coworkers, and leave a company vulnerable to sexual harassment lawsuits.

“For young girls who join a company, straight from college, married men will take advantage of them,” said Senyonyi. “They are naive, and men will splash money around, take them out, until the next batch of girls come in.”

But even if the relationship is genuine, the couple’s supervisors might still frown, and with good reason — especially if the couple is in the same section.

Rather than focusing on assignments, the couple may linger at each other’s desks, take long lunches together, or even disappear to a guest lodge during work day. And if the couple separates, the emotional stress of seeing one another on a daily basis could be traumatising, says Paul Nyende, a psychologist at Makerere Institute of Psychology.

“A partner could attack you, write bad reports about you,” says Nyende. “I have seen this happen where the relationship goes sour and the other partner drags your name in the mud.”

If you find yourself interested in another workmate, it is best to be strategic. Review your company’s human resource policy, and make sure dating is not banned. Some companies do not formally allow it, while others tolerate it if you stay productive. Ask yourself how you would feel if the relationship ended badly. If you go for it, be ready to face the consequences.

Tips
Avoid leaving together, and do not linger at your partner’s desk unnecessarily. Stay professional and productive.

Sometimes office relationships spring up because hard work does not leave a lot of time to socialise. Make an effort to include social activities in your weekly routine that are unrelated to your job.

Too much time together can cause bickering and boredom. In a relationship, everyone needs space

Beware of conflicts of interest. Could you really fire your girlfriend or give her an honest performance review?

Jealousy hurts your productivity.What if you see another coworker lingering at his desk, or flirting with him in the canteen? It would be hard to focus on your work even if it is an innocent conversation.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});