So you’re attracted to a co-worker? You’re not alone. Huffingtonpost.com reports that a whopping 84% of workers between the ages of 18-29 have admitted to a romantic relationship with a co-worker at some point in their life. Considering you spend 40 hours per week around your co-workers, you’re bound to find someone you share common interests with. But is it a good thing?
It has been reported that 30% of office romances end in marriage. It also has positive affects on the production of each employee. When two people are involved in a relationship, it tends to improve the communication, teamwork and cooperation of the entire team. It is thought that the two in the relationship form a bridge to the others and allows everyone to work together and through the couple to complete daily tasks. Positive morale is also thought to be formed amongst co-workers as a result of watching and experiencing other co-workers falling in love.
But it’s not always hearts and flowers with an office romance. Many times the relationship offers a conflict of interest between the involved parties and their work performance may decline as a result of their attention on one other. It can also threaten your career advancement, as many top managers will view your affection as unprofessional and distracting. And if 30% of office romances end in marriage, then 70% end in a break-up and this can lead to problems. One or both will display a noticeable decline in work production and communication between other co-workers. It can also lead to jealousy and negative attitudes that can jeopardize even the strongest team of co-workers.
Regardless of how hard we try, office romances will always take place. When the heart yearns for the attention of a mate, work circumstances rarely reign supreme. For the sake of everyone in the office, hopefully each office romance falls into the 30% category.