Leery About Love?

Love continues to be a many splendored thing at work, even though a sizable percentage of workers—especially women—think it could jeopardize their job security or put the brakes on their advancement, a recent survey found. The number of workers overall who have dated a co-worker edged up from 36 percent in 2005 to 39 percent in 2006, says a January 2007 Spherion Workplace Snapshot online survey.

Women are more reluctant than men, though, to get involved with a co-worker—30 percent of women and 47 percent of men would pursue a workplace romance. Unlike 36 percent of men, 47 percent of women worried a workplace romance would hurt them on the job. One key concern that women have is the ability to keep the relationship confidential. Blogs and online social networking sites are making it more difficult to keep a lid on the gossip about office romance. Online venues such as Match.com and eHarmony provide very public means for personal news to be shared.

Despite the stress and scrutiny inherent with interoffice romances, according to Spherion’s findings quite a few are finding true love. Nearly 30% of workers dated a colleague for several months and 15 percent for several years. Twenty-five percent said their workplace romance led to marriage. There’s always the inevitable chance that you will stumble upon love during your elevator ride to the executive tower, and if you do, you can certainly make it work if you follow these guidelines.

• No romantic displays at work, including holding hands or stealing a kiss. If you get caught your career may be in jeopardy.
• Don’t even think about e-mailing X-rated Valentine’s Day cards or sending an unsigned Valentine’s Day card to a co-worker. Also, rethink using cell phones for intimate conversations; your voice may be louder than you realize.
• Send flowers or gifts to your honey’s home. A well-intentioned gesture can embarrass the recipient when co-workers try to figure who the sender is.
• Business rules apply in business social situations—don’t dance too closely or drink too much, use seductive language or wear seductive clothing.
• If the relationship ends, behave professionally. It’s likely both people will have to continue working with or around each other.
• Your boss should never be your valentine. Have your reporting relationship changed if you are dating your supervisor.

For fast-paced She-Tech women, love can often be hard to find, and if you happen to find it on the job, be mindful. Love is in the air, over the internet and in the office. Open your heart and stay connected!