It is said that love knows no context, and Cupid can strike one just about anywhere. So, in today era, where a large population of our youth is working long hours, the office is indeed transforming into a hub for romance. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in IT organizations, where the majority of the workforce has just stepped out of college. Hence visit any IT campus, and there are definitely some dating pairs which can be spotted, exchanging shy glances, or holding hands, or simply sitting at the cafeteria to spend time with their loved ones.
There are 2 aspects which pose as a breeding ground for romance – having a lot of free time, or having a lot of working time with the same close group. Both these instances are found in plentiful measure with many employees deployed in trainings for skill building or be on bench without deployment, and find themselves with a bundle of time on their hands. On the other hand, those working long hours with only their own team to meet a tight project deadline, colleagues may indeed slowly transform into friends, close friends, and perhaps even more.
There is mixed opinion about the benefits of workplace romance. On one hand, it indeed improves morale and retention of the individuals concerned, since they get to spend a large portion of the day together. Even if they belong to different projects or functions, nothing beats sneaking out at 3pm for a quick coffee with your beloved. One can also assume that since both partners belong to the same context, they would be more understanding and appreciative of each other’s professional commitments.
The flip side of office romance is when the relationship doesn’t work out. While there are those rare mature individuals who strictly demarcate their professional conduct and personal affairs, there are also many heartbroken lovers who may choose to continue bestowing their affections even when not reciprocated, much to the chagrin of their manager. If such behavior continues, a harried HR manager does step into the picture to reinforce behavorial norms.
On the other hand, any office couple who are completely engrossed with each other, sitting too close, taking too many breaks together can often create a detrimental environment for other co-workers making them uncomfortable. When such behavior is also observed by the senior management or customer it reflects poorly on the manager, as it indicates a loss of productivity, and thus, such situations are best when nipped in the bud.
In an age when mobility of employees is a fantastic strategic advantage, if one of the partners is transferred to another location, it is often expected that the other partner too would be transferred. Woe if the location is in an onsite geography, for matching the role in one single location with the skills of a particular individual can indeed be a nightmarish challenge.
Last but not the least, there is the convoluted question of morality. If one knows that a married colleague is having an affair at office, what should one do? The office is a forum for employees to use their knowledge and abilities to further organizational goals, and ideally, it is irrelevant what sort of societal or ethical role the person assumes. However reality is often more complicated, and the tendency to pass judgement onto one’s colleague is often found. Handling such situations can indeed be tricky.
So go ahead and romance away at the workplace, but without forgetting that work comes first at the office, and love can only finish second place.
There are 2 aspects which pose as a breeding ground for romance – having a lot of free time, or having a lot of working time with the same close group. Both these instances are found in plentiful measure with many employees deployed in trainings for skill building or be on bench without deployment, and find themselves with a bundle of time on their hands. On the other hand, those working long hours with only their own team to meet a tight project deadline, colleagues may indeed slowly transform into friends, close friends, and perhaps even more.
There is mixed opinion about the benefits of workplace romance. On one hand, it indeed improves morale and retention of the individuals concerned, since they get to spend a large portion of the day together. Even if they belong to different projects or functions, nothing beats sneaking out at 3pm for a quick coffee with your beloved. One can also assume that since both partners belong to the same context, they would be more understanding and appreciative of each other’s professional commitments.
The flip side of office romance is when the relationship doesn’t work out. While there are those rare mature individuals who strictly demarcate their professional conduct and personal affairs, there are also many heartbroken lovers who may choose to continue bestowing their affections even when not reciprocated, much to the chagrin of their manager. If such behavior continues, a harried HR manager does step into the picture to reinforce behavorial norms.
On the other hand, any office couple who are completely engrossed with each other, sitting too close, taking too many breaks together can often create a detrimental environment for other co-workers making them uncomfortable. When such behavior is also observed by the senior management or customer it reflects poorly on the manager, as it indicates a loss of productivity, and thus, such situations are best when nipped in the bud.
In an age when mobility of employees is a fantastic strategic advantage, if one of the partners is transferred to another location, it is often expected that the other partner too would be transferred. Woe if the location is in an onsite geography, for matching the role in one single location with the skills of a particular individual can indeed be a nightmarish challenge.
Last but not the least, there is the convoluted question of morality. If one knows that a married colleague is having an affair at office, what should one do? The office is a forum for employees to use their knowledge and abilities to further organizational goals, and ideally, it is irrelevant what sort of societal or ethical role the person assumes. However reality is often more complicated, and the tendency to pass judgement onto one’s colleague is often found. Handling such situations can indeed be tricky.
So go ahead and romance away at the workplace, but without forgetting that work comes first at the office, and love can only finish second place.
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