How to Avoid Workplace Dating

Many avoid workplace dating because they like to keep their personal lives separate from their careers. Others need to avoid workplace dating because of company policies. Even if workplace dating is not particularly harmful to your career, there are many personal reasons to avoid workplace dating.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Review your employee handbook or company regulations for policies regarding workplace dating. Your company may have specific rules about going out with a subordinate or manager, for example. Some companies require the two parties to notify administration. It is important to know the rules; informing an amorous co-worker of certain regulations may help to deter him or her.
2. Respond kindly but firmly in the negative to coworkers' requests for dates. An explanation sounds like an excuse, so there is no need to elaborate after "No, thank you." If you give a reason, the other person may pester you or try to explain why your reason doesn't make sense. In this case, the less you say, the easier it is to avoid workplace dating.
3. Maintain a professional attitude with your co-workers. Avoid flirting and giving the wrong signals. Focus on your work and build healthy professional relationships that will help you avoid workplace dating.
4. Report harassment to a supervisor or the proper department at your job. If a co-worker pesters you to the point of harassment, put an end to it quickly. Do not tolerate the advances of someone who you have told you are not interested in dating.
5. Develop an active social life completely separate from co-workers and your career. Stay busy with your own interests and groups of friends not connected to your place of work. Make new friends with similar interests by joining MeetUp groups in your area. If you have a strong social life, you'll be less interested in making your co-workers your social life.

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