Is this unethical? What's the consequence if it didn't work out? What if you fell in love and can't hold back your feelings any longer?
2007-02-25 13:39:13 · 23 answers · asked by Kapitan_Kidlat 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I have no qualms whatsoever about dating a co-worker. Who do you have in mind?
Seriously, I think it's fine, but there has to be a great deal of maturity involved. Both people have to be able to separate work from personal life. You have to prepare for the worst, (maybe one of you having to change jobs) and hope for the best. Or maybe a miracle. I tried it 3 times--it worked once. Also, it may be frowned upon by your boss(es), so be prepared to be forced to make a choice. If you think you'll be able to keep your relationship a secret, dream on. Give it a shot--you only live once.
2007-02-25 13:53:17 · answer #1 · answered by Lone Ranger 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of workplaces have strict rules about dating / marrying co-workers. And it's for good reason. I don't know if it's necessarily "unethical" unless you let your relationship interfere with your ability to do your job.
The consequences are the focus here. Are you prepared to quit your job, or possibly lose your job, so that you can have this relationship? That's a consequence of dating a co-worker.
While everyone would like to think that THEY will be different and THEY will be able to remain friends if the relationship sours, you never know.
If you fall in love and can't hold back your feelings any longer, it seems like it would be a good time to discuss with your beloved which one of you could feasibly leave the company and seek employment elsewhere.
Good luck. Tough one.
2007-02-25 21:50:17 · answer #2 · answered by Amy K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard different opinions about this.
I know that some workplace romances have gone on to become stable relationships or even marriages.
There is also great potential for trouble.
Some, but not all employers have policies against dating co-workers. (As if it's any of their business.)
If one partner is in a position of authority over the other, work issues can create a lot of friction. Or if there are issues with one's supervisor or co-workers, the other partner may be expected to take sides.
You'll be together, in the same place, all day, every day. You won't get enough time apart.
People will talk - more than usual, in fact.
If it doesn't work out, it could be very awkward & one of you would probably end up resigning or transferring.
You might avoid a lot of problems if you can agree to work in differrent departments or on different shifts. You'll need to agree in advance on how to handle certain work-related issues that may arise.
I really can't tell you what to do. I can only give you a heads-up if you're thinking of pursuing this.
2007-02-25 22:58:23 · answer #3 · answered by WillyC 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not unethical (as long as you are both single) if it is not against the company rules... but it can be unwise. Especially if one of you reports to the other (even if only when the boss is out).
If you both plan on staying in this workplace for a while, then don't get involved... if things don't work out, working together can be very difficult. Also a good way to lose the respect of coworkers.
2007-02-25 21:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by snickersmommie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there, done that, bought the Tshirt. Bad. Really really bad. If it doesn't work out, chances are someone is going to have to leave the firm. And if not, that's going to be really awkward. Furthermore, that person could suddenly decide you were harassing them and file a claim. Then you can be terminated or have a tarnished record. Co-workers might find your relationship inappropriate and file a complaint as well.
As crude as it sounds, follow this adage: keep your pen out of the company ink well. Plus, who knows how many of your work pals have been there too. Ew.
2007-02-25 21:45:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am married now to the girl I dated as a co-worker. Just remember that relationships are often shorter lived than jobs. Don't make it a hostile workplace. Ask them out for coffee, or lunch. They'll get the hint and respond in kind. If they try to make it a big deal, you have the "I wanted to know if they wanted something from Wendy's and now they think I'm in love?" If they say yes, there probably isn't much loss of communication.
2007-02-25 21:49:53 · answer #6 · answered by king_of_new_england 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think ethics plays into this; however, be aware that many work places have rules about co-workers dating. Personally, if I had strong feelings about a co-worker I would go ahead and date him while keeping it quiet at the office. We would have to agree that if things didn't work out, it would remain between us and not fodder for office gossip. If we fell in love and decided to marry, then the office would have to deal with it.
2007-02-25 21:42:41 · answer #7 · answered by ginabgood1 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is ALWAYS a bad idea. Co workers talk enough behind your back without giving them fuel. Plus, it makes the workplace uncomfortable. That is if it's going well....
When it goes bad? Forget it. It's a mess. Someone has to go it's so uncomfortable. Fine if you work at McDonalds. Not if you actually work at a job you'd like to keep.
2007-02-25 21:42:57 · answer #8 · answered by Chula 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some jobs have rules against it some are okay with it
You have to check their policy. One draw back is if it is a job you want to keep for a LONG time and you have a bad break up you have to work together and get along or one of you might have to quit
2007-02-25 21:43:29 · answer #9 · answered by sapphire_630 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends, personally I wouldnt do it because of all the things that can possibly go wrong. What if it doesnt work out, or if the sex is bad. This could potentially create an uncomfortable environment for you at work. Think about it!
2007-02-25 21:56:07 · answer #10 · answered by Mo the Great 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋