There are co-workers who meet and fall in love at the office - or, maybe, just have a fling. And then there are married co-workers who meet and fall in love at work - or, maybe, just have a fling.

If the first camp presents ample opportunities for workplace distraction and drama, just think of the dust storms the second camp can kick up - you know, angry spouses showing up in the lobby.

It may be difficult to see what there is to lose when diving into a relationship with the love of your life (for real, this time). But in the worst-case scenario a soured romance could damage your professional reputation, cost you your job or result in sexual harassment charges. Be prepared for office gossip, jealousy, tension and a lack of space, not to mention the possibility you’ll have to keep working with your sweetheart after a breakup.

Find out if your company has policies on dating. It may forbid or strongly discourage relationships between certain people in the company or require you to report the relationship when it begins.

A lot of employers pretty strongly discourage romances because if there is a breakup or spat it affects everyone else in the office.

According to the annual Office Romance Survey, 48 per cent of 945 employees surveyed say they’ve known of a married colleague who cheated on his or her spouse with someone at work.

Are people that open? Are they that blatant? Or are they being ousted by someone? There is the unlikelihood of keeping such activity under wraps in the workplace.

And while finding out about single colleagues who are dating one another may generate a little buzz, the involvement of married workers really gets the gossip mill fired up.

It can lead to results such as losing out on a raise or a promotion once the boss finds out - unless, of course, you are the boss. It’s fun to fall in love, but remember that you’ve worked too hard to jeopardize your work reputation by being distracted, missing deadlines and letting your projects suffer,

While workplace alliances are not among the top “precipitating factors” it happens not infrequently.” In some cases, two marriages end up being dissolved.

You’ll do yourself a favor by taking things slow. Before the relationship gets serious, be sure both of you have the maturity, judgment and tact to handle a potentially intense emotional experience in a work environment. If your honey shares intimate information with co-workers or blows up at you in the office, both of you will suffer the consequences.

So, if you’re married, and are considering making a play for a work colleague, here’s some advice “Stay the hell away.

“It can give rise to all kinds of complications and disappointments,” he says. “It could result in your losing your job, losing friends or losing your spouse. It’s not a good idea.”

If handled responsibly, an office love affair can be rewarding. Just make sure you weigh the professional risks with the personal rewards of your particular situation before falling head-over-heels.

Tags: Lifestyle, Offbeat //