Navigating office romance

By Charlotte Makala

What you need to know:

You need to plan your relationship. Not just the late-night whispers, but the hard stuff: setting boundaries, having an exit strategy and understanding the reality of your situation. Because nothing kills a romance faster than an HR meeting with your names on the docket!

Know your company’s policies: If your company has a policy in place, respect it. If there is no clear policy, speak with HR or a manager for advice. This will ensure that you are both aware of any potential complications and can navigate the situation without crossing any lines and that you understand any potential complications. Transparency is key. (Some companies even have policies in place for relationships and potential breakups, such as reassignment or leave.)
Set clear boundaries: Keep work and personal life separate. Simply put, focus on work-related matters during office hours, preserve your professionalism and the respect of your colleagues.
Prioritise productivity: Your professionalism should always take precedence. Make sure your work speaks for itself and that your personal relationship doesn’t interfere with your professional identity. Focus on career goals.
No PDA: No one wants to see colleagues engaging in public displays of affection at work. Public displays of affection can be unprofessional and distracting. HR typically discourages this behaviour. Keep your romantic moments private, saving them for after work, to maintain professionalism.
Prepare for the attention: Once your colleagues become aware of your relationship, you can expect some (or a lot of) attention and curiosity. Whether it’s good-natured teasing or gossip, be prepared to handle attention with grace. It’s important to ensure that the relationship doesn’t overshadow the collaborative spirit of your team.
Plan the breakup in advance: Not all relationships are meant to last. Have a contingency plan in case things end. Discuss how to stay professional and prevent any drama from affecting the work environment. Have an open discussion about this that allows you both to set clear boundaries and expectations should things take a turn. Being prepared is just as important as being in love.

Navigating office romance

What you need to know:

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