Office romance 2K21
HR professionals on romantic relationships at work: what to think about before you start, whether you can ask your boss out, and how to behave if you like someone on your team.
Office romance 2K21
Together with a job-search service and its career-consulting service, we've prepared a piece on romantic relationships at work.
It seems that, one way or another, everyone has had a platonic office crush:)
Now it's clear what to expect and which risks to think about if you want to take the relationship to another level. We're publishing a series of pieces on the topic.
Are romantic relationships with colleagues even OK? What should you think about before starting one?
An HR director at a restaurant chain
Romantic relationships with colleagues are natural. We spend 70% of our time at work, and if, on top of shared views on work and the workplace, love has happened between you, you're doubly lucky. But relationships like these should always be thought through several steps ahead:
An HR director at a restaurant chain
Before starting a relationship, think about which career paths you and your partner have in this company. For example, a boss–subordinate setup isn't the best idea (in Western companies it's banned altogether), so you need to be careful here.
Corporate secrets should stay secret even at home. Think about which internal rules you'll set so you don't tell each other more than you should.
Can I ask my boss out on a date? How do I do it ethically, without breaking any rules?
A head of people & culture at a game-development studio
It all depends on what kind of company you work for. In a government agency it's probably not welcome at all, while in small startups, or in the IT industry in particular, no one will judge you for it.
A head of people & culture at a game-development studio
I think you should act here the way you would in life: if you feel you like the person and it's mutual, there's nothing wrong with asking them out on a date, just as you would outside of work.
An important rule I'd follow: it's better to do it outside the office walls — the setting is more inviting, and there's less gossip.
I like someone on my team whom I manage. What's the etiquette and the right course of action in this case?
An HR business partner at a retail company
When it comes to romantic hints at work, you need to be very careful and tactful — and there are several reasons for this. First, you might violate someone's boundaries; second, actions that seem harmless to you can sometimes be perceived as harassment.
An HR business partner at a retail company
To begin with, I'd recommend inviting your colleague to lunch — it's safer than an invitation to spend an evening together. If you realise that you feel comfortable and enjoy each other's company, you can suggest meeting in an informal setting. But don't make any physical gestures until you're sure the attraction is mutual.
If you like a colleague, it's important to think about them first and foremost and to understand that personal boundaries must not be crossed. Besides, you must not allow any actions that could compromise the other person.
