How to Be Stealthy When Hiding Your Relationship at Work

Polls and anecdotal evidence agree that the number of relationships that start in the workplace is growing. Many people who find romance in the office feel as if they should hide their relationship at least for awhile. However, it can be hard to be stealthy when you're in love. Follow these guidelines to be stealthy when hiding your relationship at work.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Coordinate with your partner. He needs to have similar expectations about your interactions in the workplace.

2. Refrain from sending romantic, erotic voice mail or email on office systems. Most companies have access to all employee related emails in their system.

3. Keep your emotions out of your work. Remain professional at all times and maintain your relationship outside of work. Learn to get your work completed or else it could harm your career prospects in your office.

4. Being accused of playing favorites could cause big trouble for you or your partner later. If your relationship does become public, your coworkers might feel that they have been slighted due to your bond with your partner.

5. Decide consciously whether you should continue your office romance. If your relationship would compromise your job, the respect of your peers or the respect employees you manage, you might think about ending the relationship or finding a job at a different company.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confide in any other coworkers. You can't control who your confidante might accidentally let slip.
• Avoid flirting with your partner at work. Your coworkers could be made to feel uncomfortable, and they are likely to suspect that you and your partner are a couple.
• While most employers don't have policies about office dating, a few do have strict policies forbidding employees from forming relationships. Check your employee handbook for information on your employer's policy.