A Corporate Affair of The Heart

What to do when you fall for a co-worker


With Valentine’s Day fast approaching many people will be thinking about revealing their feelings to a secret crush. But what happens when Cupid’s arrow is directed at a workplace colleague?


According to a recent study by
executive career site TheLadders.co.uk, love is definitely in the air when it comes to the office after they found that 68% of bosses have harbored a crush on an employee. Although most refrain from acting on their feelings – just 17% admitted to having had a relationship with a co-worker.


Derek Pilcher from TheLadders.co.uk says that with the amount of time we spend at work it’s not surprising that romances blossom in the office. “Dating a colleague or the boss can cause all sorts of problems. It’s a career minefield for both parties and they should proceed with caution,” says Pilcher.


So what should you do when you realise you’d like to share more than the annual tax figures with Suzy from Accounts? The Ladders has put together some advice for executives that think they have found ‘the one’ at work:


1. Think carefully and move slowly - So you think you’ve fallen for a co-worker. Go slowly and think carefully. Is it worth the risk? Starting a relationship with someone you work with has implications.

2. The distance rule - If you have found ‘the one’ at work, then be prepared to be flexible. If your boss feels that a transfer or move to another department is appropriate, don’t be surprised or offended. This may not only help your work life but improve the relationship.

3. Be Professional - Most bosses will be pretty tolerant of office relationships as long as the ‘personal bits’ are kept away from the professional environment so that they do not distract from the work. It’s not professional to be seen kissing in the stationary cupboard or hurling coffee cups at each other! Keep your home life and work life separate.

4. Keep your eye on the job – Instead of making eyes at your new love across the office, keep your mind on your job. Your boss will not be impressed if you’re not meeting your deadlines and targets. Do your job as well or better than you did before.

6. Be discreet – Don’t make personal arrangements in front of the boss but do let them see you working well together as part of a team. Remain two separate people at work and above all don’t ever practice favouritism.

7. Never gossip – A huge part of office communication and team bonding is sharing your life experiences with your team. However discussing your partner’s sexual prowess with your colleagues is a bad idea!

8. If things turn sour - If your office relationship ends, the boss does not want to witness you bad-mouthing another employee, it will not only damage their reputation but your own as well. Resist revenge and remain polite and civil with your ex.


Have you had a relationship with a co-worker? Do you think office romances are acceptable or a no-go zone? Feel free to comment this post.