When the Etiquette Tip of the Week falls on Valentine's Day, the topic of workplace romance is kind of the elephant in the room. In full disclosure, I must tell you that if not for a workplace romance, the Etiquette Tip of the Week author would not be here. Her parents met while working in the same hospital in Chicago. Workplace romances may end in wedded bliss or they may end badly. Here are a few tips:
Never date anyone whom you directly supervise or who reports to you. Avoid dating people with whom you work in close proximity. If the romance fails, it creates an awkward environment not just for you, but also for co-workers. Before even considering dating a person you work with, visualize how you would feel if the person broke up with you and started dating one of your co-workers. Keep it professional. All dating-related activities take place outside the workplace. (And not in the parking lot.)
No public displays of affection: no holding hands in the hallway, no footsie or texting under the conference room table.
Absolutely no hanky panky in the supply closet.
Do not display romantic gifts from co-workers, including flowers, balloons, or boxes of chocolate.
Break up immediately with the person who gives you one of those stuffed animal monkeys with a heart that says, "I Wuv You."
Do not send romantic messages to or through workplace email. Workplace email is not private. It can be monitored by IT professionals, supervisors and who knows who else.
Thank you to our colleagues at the Culture & Manners Institute for sharing their insight with us!
The same rules apply to clients and vendors. Happy Valentine's Day!
