DEALING WITH AN OFFICE ROMANCE

Young professionals often spend more time at the office than at home.As a result, there are a lot of single men and women who don't have the time to meet new people.Naturally,they seek their surrounding environment -the office.

Single people feel that work is a natural place to meet new people. After all,you spend at least 40hrs a week there with individuals of similar background and interests. Relationships with co-workers can be especially tempting because hard work doesn't leave much time for socializing.

There's no doubt that each year, lots of people fall in love with their co-workers or their bosses.Other employees typically get swept up in workplace romances through the gossip mill.But while they can't be prevented, office liasons are not always a joy for business owners.And they are more difficult to handle when they occur at small companies.

Employers cannot control human nature, so a workplace romance policy is unenforceable. And if you establish one,it sends a negative message to employees about your company's willingness to impose itself into their personal lives.

The other thing is that you don't want to create a Romeo and Juliet situation.If there's a policy against workplace romances,people will feel they must lie and sneak around and that's the last thing an employer want.

Given the amount of time we spend at work, it is little wonder that many people find their passion and excitement in the office. Whether you're already romantically involved at work, or just thinking about it,here's how to be six steps ahead of heartache-and unemployment.

#1. Leave him if he's married-You will win very little support for your relationship and you run the risk of his wife/girlfriend turning up at the office.

#2.Flirt Discreetly-Discretion is the key to a successful office romance.Brushing past someone or a stolen glance over the photocopier is far more enticing than draping yourself over his desk.

#3.Decide whether to confide in colleagues-If you don't want to be a regular feature of office gossip,it might be best to tell a few close colleagues about your romance. That way people loose the intrigue and friends won't feel excluded.

#4. Think carefully about sex in the workplace -It's all part of the package of an office romance but if you don't want your cloakroom exploits broadcast at the end of year party,look out for security cameras.It's better to save the passion for after hours.

#5. Beware of company law-Although there are no specific laws that prevent office romances,your company might have its own policy.

#6. Make sure you're the only one -With any office romance,you've got all your eggs in one basket-you're very vulnerable .If you're going to risk your career,friends and livelihood then make sure he's worth it.If you know you're not the first office conquest -steer clear.Worse,if you didn't know,give yourself time to cool off.