Behind Closed Doors
Though it's tempting, workplace romances aren't a good idea
photo: Jeff Brandsted
By Lindsay Kiliper, Jayplay writer
Some of us spend 40 hours a week working. Would you increase your hours if you knew a job not only gave you cash but possibly a romantic partner? Could the real hot spot be the office rather than the local bars?
The American Management Association says 80 percent of workers knew of, or have been involved in, a workplace romance. The same survey also estimated that a third of all romances will begin at work. Even though the reality is you'll be interested in someone at work, workplace romances are not a smart decision.
Katie Gaudreau, Wichita senior, worked with her boyfriend at the Peradnye Country Club. Gaudreau remained professional but constantly worried that her other co-workers would be angry. "I was apprehensive about it because I didn't want anyone to feel like I was getting special treatment or going to make out," Gaudreau says. She admits she did get certain days off but tried to keep the relationship discreet. Guests at the club found out, but their relationship remained stable and they worked together again next year.
Keeping a relationship covert is the best idea according to Connie Cornell, a lawyer certified in labor and employment law in Austin, Texas. Cornell thinks romantic relationships between coworkers are fine." If a person doesn't meet the intended person in college, then the reality is they'll meet them in the workplace just because you work so many hours in a day," she says.
Ronald A. Ash, professor of management at the University of Kansas, thinks so many people find a romantic relationship at work because people look good there. "Most of us put our best foot forward at work, we dress our best and our work is important for most of us. Therefore other people see us at our best and most attractive," Ash says. However, he thinks workplace romances are not a good idea because of their negative effects, "It is bad for the morale of others in the unit if the two of you can gang up and support each other on the basis of personal information and oppose the best business policies," he says.
Cornell says there can be many complications in any workplace relationship
but especially when people are reporting to a loved one; this can affect promotions and your job. "Employers should absolutely have a policy that prohibits anybody up or down the chain from dating whether that be indirect or direct control," Cornell says.
The American Management Association found that only one in eight companies have a written policy about romance in the workplace and most policies only prohibit dating between subordinates and superiors.
Both Cornell and Ash agreed that dating between coworkers is more appropriate than subordinates dating superiors because of promotions and unequal treatment. However, in the end, it is best to keep your personal life separate from your business life.
— Lindsay Kiliper can be reached at kiliper@kansan.com.