Is Dating & Attraction In The Workplace A Problem

Romantic relationships in the workplace are quite commonplace, but a lot of people consider it unethical or even taboo at times. This article will discuss some of the reasons why getting attracted to your coworker or boss might be a bad idea and should be avoided.

It Causes Favoritism

One of the primary reasons why attraction and dating individuals from work can be problematic is that it can potentially give rise to preferential treatment.

This is especially an issue if a relationship forms between a supervisor and their subordinate due to the difference in power and authority in the workplace.

On the one hand, a supervisor might be lenient on the employee that they are interested in, and on another, they might use their power to manipulate them, which can lead to sexual harassment and other severe concerns.

It Can Create Conflict

Speaking of harassment, there are other issues that can arise due to people dating or becoming more intimate with the people they work with.

For example, if a public display of affection or flirting is present, it can distract everyone, including coworkers trying to focus and be productive. It can also lead to rumors and gossip.

Additionally, if a workplace relationship doesn’t pan out, there is always the potential for hostility and discomfort, affecting those around them.

It Can Lead To Higher Turnover

In the event that a romance falls apart at work, very rarely will the workplace dynamic be the same, and this can cause issues collaborating and working together professionally.

Because of this, it typically leads to one of the individuals quitting their job because of the discomfort that the end of a relationship can create.

Leaving their position can hamper their career, and if a relationship goes sour unexpectedly, and they quit urgently, they might not have a job lined up and have to search for a new one.

Are Workplace Romances Illegal?

As you can see, there are some very specific issues that can come alongside dating coworkers, but is it against the law to do so?

No, but it is up to the discretion of the employer if they want to implement rules to forbid fraternizing at work. In most cases, though, they are there to prevent relationships between an employee and their superiors rather than with two ordinary employees.

In most cases, you cannot be fired for dating a coworker either, but if it starts to interfere with your ability to be productive, you could potentially be terminated from your position.

Therefore, if you intend to date someone that you work with, it’s a good idea to be fully aware of some of its complications going forward.

Still Concerned?

Dating and attraction at work can be a complex topic to navigate for many people because of the potential consequences it can come with.

If you are in a position where you are unsure if you should proceed with a workplace romance and it’s stressing you out, BetterHelp can help you sort out these feelings and learn how to remain productive at work.

Here, you can find information about online counseling and also explore additional advice articles like this one for free that can help answer your questions regarding attraction, dating, and other topics related to relationships.

Conclusion

Having a romantic interest in a person from your workplace might be illegal, but it’s not something you should actively pursue. Hopefully, some of the issues laid out here for you show you some of the concerns it can cause you and your coworkers. You can avoid these problems entirely by keeping your dating and professional life separate, and ultimately, you will feel content with yourself and your work.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.