The world today has made people to spend most of their time at their workplaces which make it more likely for individuals to start an office romance (Chapman, 2014). The chances are even higher because people at workplaces usually spend more time together and thus know each other well and have a lot in common. Such relationships often attract people because it involves people who know each other. However, such relationships often result in the toxic working environment.
Types of Dating in the Workplace
Workplace relationship can be categorized and grouped in two main ways. One way is by analyzing if the individuals are in the same or different corporate ladder. If the relationship is between peers, then the relationship is a vertical relationship. If the relationship is between a manager and the subordinate, then the relationship is regarded as a hierarchical relationship. The second way of grouping workplace relationships is whether it is open in terms of being explicit or recognized or if it is closed in terms of being secret and unacknowledged. Even though there are many types of workplace romantic relationships, there is always possible risks that are associated with them ( Kusy, 2009).
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Possible Risks Associated With Romantic Relationships in the Workplace
Having a romantic relationship in the workplace can have negative outcomes that include the following;
Fights can start
If a romantic relationship ends badly, it can result in arguments or fighting within the place of work. The arguments can be seen by customers, managers, and co-workers who may talk about the incident both inside and outside the organization. The action can, in turn, damage the company among its employees and customers. It can even cause some investors to put money in other companies for fears of being associated with a company that has a bad reputation.
Legal liability
The largest risk if workplace romantic relationships is a legal liability that causes tension in the workplace environment. The most expensive legal issue that can result from office romance is sexual harassment claims. Sexual harassment is the crime that is in violation of an individual’s private life through the means of pursuit and unwanted advances that are usually committed with sexual motives. Sexual harassment often occurs after a breakup when one party continues to approach the other. Sexual harassment usually mean a lot of payouts that can have negative effects on the company’s reputation and even make a business go bankrupt.
Decreased Productivity
Workplace romance has the risk of decreasing productivity. Often the concentration level decreases because workers think of the romance rather than work. The production level of other employees can also decrease because of being jealous of the couple. It is worth noting that some employees do not believe in workplace romance and might even find in inappropriate which can then affect their productivity. In addition, if the couple breaks up, there is high chance that one of the parties will increase absenteeism with would, in turn, reduce productivity. The party may eventually decide to quit.
Increase in turnover rate
After a breakup, one of the parties might decide to stop working for the company thus resulting in loss of valuable employees. There is also a high chance that there would be favoritism among the couple especially if it is a hierarchical relationship thus demotivating other employees. They might, in turn, decide to leave the business thus resulting in valuable assets.
Possible Benefits of Workplace Romantic Relationships
Many people believe that workplace relationships can only have negative outcomes but, there are also some benefits including;
Increased job performance
Romantic relationships at workplaces can increase productivity because parties involved often have decreased the amount of stress. They often get motivated to work harder to the benefit of the organization.
Decreased turnover rate
Arguments for such relationships indicate that parties are less likely to quit their jobs because of their significant others. They most likely try to avoid disturbing the relationship. The two would even be more committed towards the business and try to reach its objectives so that they stay in the organization.
Reduced pressure
Office relationship often reduces the amount of pressure that is put on them as they can access a person in the office who can help them reduce pressure. It, in turn, reduces the amount of stress among employees (Harder, 2013).
Increased motivation level
Those involved in office romance are usually excited and motivated to go to work. They will have decreased stress level which will, in turn, increases their productivity levels.
Solutions for Negative Effect for Romance in the Workplace
Workplace romantic relationships are nearly impossible to prevent (Munde, 2013). However, to avoid the negative effects of such relationships, it is vital for companies to develop policies that demand employees to maintain the production standards, avoid any form of harassment and breach of confidentiality and one which prohibits arguments and fighting in the workplace. The policies will protect employees and the company and also prevent lawsuits.
Even with the negative effects that romantic workplace relationships have on individuals and companies, they are still more likely to occur. The chances are even higher because people at workplaces usually spend more time together and thus know each other well and have a lot in common. However, it is vital for companies to find ways to reduce the risk. It can be done through the implementation of policies to reduce the negative effect to the company.
References
Chapman, G. D., White, P. E., & Myra, H. (2014). Rising above a toxic workplace: Taking care of yourself in an unhealthy environment .
Harder, H. G., Wagner, S., & Rash, J. (2013). Mental illness in the workplace: Psychological disability management .
Kusy, M., & Holloway, E. (2009). Toxic Workplace!: Managing toxic personalities and their systems of power . San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Munde, G. (2013). Everyday HR: A human resources handbook for academic library staff . Chicago: Neal-Schuman.
