Insider Guide.(office romance)

Insider's Guide office

How to conduct an Office Romance

By Dennis M. Powers Powers, a professor of business law at Southern Oregon University, wrote The Office Romance: Playing With Fire Without Getting Burned (American Management Association). Office romances are incredibly common these days, and corporate climates have changed a lot in how these relationships are viewed. I've found that the most successful office couples keep their liaisons secret until they know things are serious. Of course, that's harder than it seems: One survey found that two thirds of all couples who felt they were being discreet found out later that everyone knew anyway. * Please, no PDA. It seems obvious, but don't offend your coworkers. The vast majority of companies have a policy of "benign neglect"; avoid throwing it in anyone's face, and you are much less likely to run into trouble. * Don't gossip. The office doesn't need to hear you gush (or complain) about every detail of your relationship. If you are bursting with the need to spill, talk to a friend who doesn't work with you. * Avoid X-rated emails. The often-ignored rule about not using work email for personal communications is crucial with relationships. Not only does the company generally have the right to read your messages; accidents can also happen. I once sat next to an Air Force colonel on a plane who told me a horror story about a subordinate emailing her lover about the wild way she planned to celebrate their anniversary and accidentally hitting the "all base" button. Ten thousand airmen really enjoyed that message. * Get a ...