Dating in the workplace- beware of the pitfalls

By: Shawn Desgrosellier

Dating in the workplace happens with a higher level of frequency than you can imagine. One statistic I read from a Dallas Texas research company stated that over half- yes 50% or more of today’s married couples met at work. That means inter-office relationships are plentiful in today's society.

Is it okay to date a co-worker? Well, it depends on the company and depends on the people involved. For example, at some companies like Wal-Mart they have very clearly defined policies about dating and relationships in the workplace. It is forbidden and you could put your job and career at risk if you fraternize at work.

There are other companies where inter-office relationships are encouraged. These companies have to deal with a different set of issues and problems. They need to make absolutely sure they have an iron clad harassment policy in place just in case one of those inter-office relationships go bad. It is not a matter of “if” one will go bad, it is more or a “when” will one or more of these inter-office relationships go bad.

I have attended five different weddings over the past five years where the couple met in the workplace- and these were all very close friends. As our society has shifted where both the man and woman are chasing career aspirations this has also shifted where relationships begin. When a couple meeting in high school was the norm in the 70’s, and meeting your future spouse in college was in the 80’s and into the 90’s, today relationships in the workplace are by far the leading place to meet your potential spouse.