Romance blooms in the workplace all the time, and it is important to remember some of the written and unwritten rules about workplace romances. For example, your company may have a policy about inter-office romances known to superiors or at least filed with the human resources department, so that there are no surprises and so that there is not a company liability for a lawsuit or some such legal action if one or both of the lovers should be offended or miffed in any way.
The written rules include checking with your company policy about such things, as well as asking anyone in charge if there are unwritten rules that are specific to his or her preferences or the company itself. Written rules may also include not allowing any workplace flings to go on, for various reasons, and these should be considered if you are decided on continuing in your relationship with your coworker.
Unwritten rules include but are not limited to, no flagrant displays of physical affection in the office, no sexual intercourse in public areas, no fighting within earshot of anyone, no disturbing the peace, as well as being discreet, and not involving too many other employees in things like “drama,” which can really be a detriment to everyone else’s enjoyment of their work. Unwritten rules also include not showing special treatment to someone, particularly in the case of a decision made by a superior about a group of subordinates, simply because you are romantically involved with them. In this case, tread lightly, but ask your romantic partner if they really feel as if they are the most qualified, and that you are leaning toward someone else’s qualifications. Explain that you wanted to make sure their feelings were considered first, which should (ideally) be enough to alleviate any concerns about being replaced in the romance department. Use casual, low tones, and be quiet, sincere, and understated.
However you go about dealing with workplace lovers, whether or not you are part of the couple, it is important to show no special treatment to any individual regarding things like employee drug and alcohol testing. Workplace drug testing will be a company policy with which you should not interfere, if you can help it. Call Mediscreen today for more information: (+61) 1300 79 70 40.
