Kisses in the kitchenette tend to be counterproductive
Accountant Anna* wanted to tell co-workers about her romance with colleague John*, who worked in procurement. They worked together at one of the big four banks in Melbourne - and still do - and their relationship began in 2011.
The romance lasted about a year and, while it was never openly confirmed to co-workers, Anna says "it became pretty obvious", and when she wanted to come clean with colleagues and stop the water-cooler gossip, John still refused to tell anyone.
"He really tried to persuade me to do the same, which I went along with for a while, but towards the end I couldn't see the point and it eventually leaked out when I told a few people. Soon after we broke up and I found out he was seeing another colleague at the same time as me, so I understood why he was so big on secrecy."
Anna says keeping her office romance a secret "did impact on our productivity, definitely". Her behaviour changed; she became jumpy and distant at work.
"I now understand why it is better if your management knows because you can be separated if necessary."
Latest studies suggest up to 40 per cent of romances start at work, according to workplace relations specialist, psychologist Fred Cicchini.
Mr Cicchini, chief operations manager of corporate health management organisation Injury Treatment, says a workplace romance can be perceived as an avenue for unfair advantage over co-workers."
"Workplace productivity and the business itself can get impacted [as] a heightened romance can turn even the most ardent performer into a 'giddy' teenager ... and failed relationships can often be the catalyst for team members in or around the relationship to leave a job."
More than 70 per cent of 500 job seekers recently surveyed by recruitment marketing company Employment Office oppose forming intimate relationships at work.
Simon's* workmate is also his housemate and she has been involved with the pair's boss since July.
Simon says: "It is a small business and it is difficult as the boss is often sitting there in my lounge room, there are all these little rendezvous in the workplace kitchen and knowing looks and I get very uncomfortable about the whole thing. I haven't considered changing jobs but it is having an effect on my productivity ... I have unwittingly been made an accessory to this secret."
* Names changed to protect privacy
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Workplace romances can impact productivity by causing distractions and creating tension among colleagues. When a relationship is kept secret, it can lead to stress and decreased focus, as seen in Anna's experience where her behavior changed, making her jumpy and distant at work.
Workplace romances can impact productivity by causing distractions and creating tension among colleagues. When a relationship is kept secret, it can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting work performance. Additionally, failed relationships might lead to team members leaving their jobs.
Keeping a workplace romance a secret can lead to increased stress and rumors, which may affect productivity. Anna found that secrecy impacted her work negatively, and she now believes it's better if management is aware so that necessary adjustments can be made.
Keeping a workplace romance a secret can lead to stress and decreased productivity. It's often better to inform management, as they can help manage any potential conflicts and ensure a professional environment.
Potential downsides of a workplace romance include perceived unfair advantages, decreased productivity, and the possibility of failed relationships leading to team members leaving their jobs. These issues can create a challenging work environment.
Potential downsides include perceived unfair advantages, distractions, and the possibility of creating an uncomfortable work environment for colleagues. Failed relationships can also lead to team members leaving the company.
According to workplace relations specialist Fred Cicchini, up to 40% of romances start at work. This statistic highlights the prevalence of workplace relationships and the importance of managing them effectively.
According to studies, up to 40% of romances start at work. However, more than 70% of job seekers oppose forming intimate relationships at work, indicating mixed feelings about workplace romances.
Experts like Fred Cicchini suggest that workplace romances can lead to unfair advantages and decreased productivity. They can turn even the most dedicated employees into distracted individuals, affecting the overall business.
If a workplace romance is affecting your productivity, consider discussing the situation with a manager or HR. They can provide guidance and help maintain a professional work environment.
A survey by Employment Office found that more than 70% of 500 job seekers oppose forming intimate relationships at work. This indicates a general discomfort with workplace romances among employees.
Yes, a workplace romance can be perceived as providing unfair advantages, especially if one partner is in a position of authority. This perception can lead to resentment and tension among colleagues.
If a workplace romance is affecting your productivity, consider discussing the situation with management or HR. Transparency can help address any issues and ensure that work remains a priority.
Management can handle workplace romances by setting clear policies, encouraging transparency, and ensuring that any conflicts of interest are addressed. This helps maintain a professional and fair work environment.
Yes, workplace romances can lead to job changes. Failed relationships or discomfort among colleagues, as seen in Simon's experience, can be catalysts for employees to consider leaving their positions.
Signs include noticeable changes in behavior, such as colleagues becoming distant or jumpy, increased gossip, and discomfort among team members. These can all indicate that a workplace romance is impacting team dynamics.
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