JPN-Journal.com News/Laws for Foreigners Working in Japan.

Hook ups: Not for the office

Nicole Zerillo
September 24, 2007.

NEW YORK -- If you are serious about your career, dating in the office can be a form of high-stake gambling in which more than your heart is at risk.

Your reputation for professionalism and potential future job growth are up for grabs, and while workplace dating may not be definitively limited or frowned on by your office culture, it can become an ever-present distraction that affects your over-all sense of well-being, and therefore, your performance.

According to Hannah Seligson, career expert and author of "New Girl on the job," "While it can bring excitement to your workday, office romance adds an additional emotional hurdle to your job, unless you are extremely adept at compartmentalizing, which most people aren't. I can't think of one situation where it has ended well, especially for the person with less power."

Love may lift us up where we belong, but a love affair with a subordinate or a supervisor risks demotion. A boss' authority is quickly undermined if he is perceived to be playing favorites. Similarly, the boss' pet is rarely viewed as a peer by their coworkers. If you find yourself in a relationship with a supervisor, it's better to transfer to another part of the company than have co-workers second-guess the secret to your success.

If you are intent on pursuing an office relationship, Seligson advises setting up a "code of professionalism."

Dating in-house "is always a bit tacky," she notes, but if you choose to do so, "conduct yourself like a professional, which means refraining from any public displays of affection or airing relationship laundry to co-workers. You want to act like platonic friends," in addition to establishing "a contingency plan about how you'll act when and if you break up."