Love Gone Wrong

We all know that business and pleasure should be kept separate, but we also know they don’t always stay separate. When the two mix and an office romance ensues, trouble is never far behind. Check out our list of workplace romance concerns, and be sure to call Montagna Law if you ever find yourself in a workplace legal predicament.

Get a Room.

The co-workers in question may be caught making googly eyes or in the act of romantic physical contact. For other co-workers, this can cause extreme discomfort, anger, and even jealousy. While the majority of employees are working hard, the lovebirds in the corner are giggling and flirting. Gossip, rumors, and decreased productivity are soon to follow.

To avoid complaints to HR (which could mutate into lawsuits in court) any workplace romances should be conducted quietly and respectfully, outside of office hours.

Protect your Rep.

While it is understandable to seek & find companionship in the workplace (common interests, already spend 40 hours a week together) it is also perceived as unprofessional. If word gets out, you and your partner may be seen as less serious, and as a result, could be passed over for promotions or special projects.

If your company has a policy in place to mitigate the risks of an office romance, disclose the relationship to HR and go about business as usual. Make it clear that your personal life is personal, and will not interfere with work.

Break Up, don’t Break Down.

It’s an unfortunate fact of life: not all love lasts forever. If the romance has run its course, fights are an inevitable symptom. When both parties work at the same place, this is a recipe for disaster.

The best thing you can do is try to keep the drama from surfacing. If that’s not possible, consider asking for a transfer, a different cubicle, or even searching for a new job.

Love Bites.

Best case scenario: you find a partner for life. Bad case: you lose your job. Worst case: you fear for your life.

Not all office romances are consensual. Sometimes, an employee may receive unwanted or inappropriate attention, gifts, or advances from a co-worker, or worse, an employer. Hopefully, a simple “no” would be enough to deter any additional attempts. If it isn’t, you need to seek professional backup.

Call the workers’ compensation attorneys at Montagna Law if your workplace has become a hostile environment, or if you’ve been injured on the job. Schedule your free legal consultation and let us get to work for you.