Dating a co-worker is something that over 40 percent of workers have admitted doing during their careers.  It can however, lead to some awkward times, especially if the relationship turns sour.  Dating a co-worker can have major consequences on work performance and the general atmosphere.

While it does have some obvious drawbacks, there are ways to determine if that mutual connection felt between you and a co-worker can blossum into a relationship.

There are many signs that can indicate if a co-worker is interested in exploring the waters for a date.  If you start to be asked out for lunch, or drinks after-work, or if they begin to make frequent stops to your workplace, then these are signs that there may be something developing.  If the co-worker is from another department and mysteriously calls you up to ask advice or to seek an opinion on some “work” related item, it may also mean there is a little more to this call.

If a relationship does develop, it is also very important that it be kept discreet.  This way if the dating doesn’t work out or develop into a full relationship, other co-workers are not affected.  It is also important that you make a point of not treating the co-worker with special favours, or in some cases much more differently than before the dating began.  This can draw more attention to the dating.

When dating a co-worker develops into a serious relationship, it is important to tell your boss or supervisor.  It is better they hear it from you than from someone else within the company.  Be emphatic that because you are dating a co-worker that it will not impact your work and that things will be kept outside the workplace.  This will be appreciated by your boss and many companies will accept the fact that you are dating.

It is however, never wise to enter into a relationship with a co-worker if there is a supervisor / subordinate relationship.  This is definitely playing with fire and will in most cases result in action being taken by the company to avoid potential troubles that could be caused by a breakup or complaint by either party.  Sexual harassment is a pretty sensitive subject in all businesses and is something that is not be taken lightly.  A supervisor/subordinate relationship is something that should be avoided at all costs.

Remember, dating a co-worker is acceptable in many work environments.  Give the relationship an opportunity to develop, and never let the fact that you are dating a co-worker impact your work!  Have fun and enjoy the ride while it lasts.