What happens when those coy glances, innocent flirting and the casual one- night stands with your co-workers go wrong?
All of us clicked our tongues and were deeply shocked when we found out about how unceremoniously a woman had killed the child of her married lover in a fit of rage, just for revenge. A couple of months ago, a top-levels employees in a leading publishing house also created a scandal, when his controversial relationship with his co-worker was splashed across the media. Both of these instances are classic examples of office romances, which went horribly wrong.
Given the large number of hours we spend in our office today, it is not surprising that many people look with in the cubicles of their office for their potential partners. In fact if the results of a recent survey are to be believed, 25 per cent workers who started an office relationship ended up getting married to their partners. The same survey also suggested that about 41 per cent of people think that an office romance can jeopardize their career.
So is it love actually or fatal attraction? It is not just the physical attraction but an emotional bond that brings two individuals together at the work place. The girl I dated from my previous company was more than just a pretty thing. We bonded over a common love for movies and eventually we found that we shared a lot of other things as well. But somehow it never worked out and things got so awkward that I finally quit.
The bigger problem regarding romance in the workplace may be what appears to be a growing trend relationships that are blossoming among employees who are married to someone else. I fell in love with a married man who I worked with and it was disastrous. Even through I was being foolish I could not help but continue the relationship. Eventually I was being treated for severe depression and I put in my papers.
In some cases however it does not and end with one of the two involved merely quitting the present workplace. Even if one of the people involved happens to be in a powerful position in the organization, their partner would make full use of the opportunity to HR manager. And most often, it is men in powerful positions who face the music. Eventually they would cause they would want to hush it up before it gets out of hand and cause a scandal.
Women, it seems, have it easier. It is easier for a woman to play the victim, Everyone will buy their story if they portray themselves as the victim. I have seen a lot of my friends getting all the sympathy and the attention this way.
There is nothing wrong with seeing someone from your workplace. However remember that you are playing with fire. Try and maintain your professionalism and integrity for you never know when things can spin out of control.