Work Places- The Do's And Don'ts Of Socializing At Work

We spend at least 8 hours a day at our work places and many of us have indeed dated people from work. In fact some of us have gone so far as to marry one of our colleagues. Over time you can get quite close to one or two co-workers, as we get to know them. There are some definite do's and don'ts to consider when you have a relationship with someone at work.

Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Understand the company's rules regarding relationships at work. Some businesses are very strict and will even go so far as to fire you should they know you are forming a relationship with one of your co-workers. Of course others do not care.
2. If the relationship is looking a little rocky do discuss with your partner what will happen if the relationship ends as both of you will be continuing to work at the same place. Try to part as friends so that there is no additional stress in the work place for both of you.
3. Examine the risks before getting involved. It will be that much easier to handle any break ups down the road.
4. Try to get to know your colleague before you start a relationship. If they are known to have had some relationships already at the work place you may want to avoid starting one yourself. Once you get to know them it will be much easier to understand how the relationship might be going and whether you will be looking at a long deep relationship or just a casual friendship.
5. Remember not to let your work suffer due to having a relationship with one of your co-workers. Be especially careful if you are having a relationship with someone who is in authority or above you. People sometimes assume you are doing this for preferential treatment.
6. Try not to socialize in work hours. You will cause a lot of bad feeling if you do this. Always try to be discreet.
7. Do not discuss your relationship at work. This can cause some tensions and also if the relationship ends could come back at you in unpleasant ways. You will lay yourself wide open to office gossip which can be very hurtful
8. Do not let your relationships issues spill over into the work place. Try to work them out after hours. If you bring these type of distractions to work you will not only under perform yourself but encourage others to do so. This will bring down the overall standard of work and may even get you fired.
9. Never be dependent on your relationship to keep you employed. This can happen if you are dating someone in management. do not expect favors from them. This is putting undue pressure on them and will create bad feeling in the workplace.
10. If you are in management and having a relationship with one who is in a junior position to you, then remember to be fair and not cause jealousy and friction in the work place.
11. You should not expect any special treatment in the work place due to your relationship. This is unfair on your fellow workers and will create very bad feeling. As it is there are always some people who will try to cause trouble when they know you have a relationship with another worker.

So try to keep a professional profile at work and if you are really falling for someone at work try to be as discreet as possible about it. Some relationships are very successful when you both work at the same place others will not work as well.