See some precautions with dating in the workplace

We spend most of the day at work. For many, the environment turns out to be one of the main sources of socialization.

In this context, the exchange of experiences, affinities and even confidences can favor the development of friendships or something else.

Professions that have on-call shifts or unusual hours contribute even more to the relationship between people at work. This is the case of doctors, nurses, journalists, airline pilots and flight attendants, for example.

However, before taking a more decisive step on whether or not to enter into a serious relationship with someone at work, several factors are considered: what happens when we fight? What happens in the face of a breakup? And if there is a betrayal?

“Considering the inevitability of dating in the work environment, it is essential that, both on the part of the company and on the part of the professionals involved, communication and behavior are adequate”, says Miriam Rodrigues, superintendent of the Center for Distance Education and professor at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie in the areas of People Management and Organizational Behavior.

“In the case of the company, the guidelines or standards, if any, must always be clear and respectful. On the part of the professionals involved, it is expected that the norms are respected”, he completes.

Psychologist Luana Ganzert, a specialist in emotions, talks about the importance of understanding the limits in each area of ​​life and dividing each one of them well.

“The work environment does not always support a dating relationship, for example, when it runs away from the ‘rules’. The important thing is that both are mature, know how to separate what is professional and what is not, and when personal conflicts occur, that this does not affect the company’s results”, says Luana.

The expert claims that frank conversations can be the solution for adjusting personal needs.

“Depending on how everything happened, the ideal thing is that when starting, the couple communicates to their manager or to the human resources sector of the company, so that they better understand the policies in this regard in the company where they are working”, he guides.

Companies cannot prohibit romantic relationships between employees. However, employees may be asked to maintain discretion.

“The company can ask employees to be discreet and to avoid kisses, hugs, more explicit displays of affection, as well as, of course, sexual intercourse or fights during working hours”, says the psychologist.

“In all cases, we understand that discretion and absolute focus on the professional are fundamental, considering the hours and environments that circumscribe work-oriented activities. In this sense, we draw attention to something that goes beyond ‘common sense’, since common sense can be something debatable”, completes Miriam.

The rules and behaviors considered inappropriate in the work environment may be included in the company’s internal regulations. Although it is not permissible to fire an employee for being in a relationship, excess and inappropriate conduct can lead to dismissal for cause.

“The company can claim the so-called incontinence of conduct, provided for in labor legislation, which means taking exaggerated attitudes that do not match the work environment”, says Luana.

institutional culture

Professor of psychoanalysis and psychologist Ronaldo Coelho recommends, first of all, reflecting on the work environment in which the couple is inserted. Variables such as the company’s style, the specific work relationships of those involved and the organization’s culture can influence this scenario.

“Institutional culture will weigh heavily. Along with culture, understanding the working relationship between the partners, the hierarchy, the possibilities and problems that the power relationship may imply, which practical dimensions of everyday life may interfere in the relationship and, on the other hand, in everyday life will also weigh a lot. of work,” he points out.

Finally, it is also necessary to know who you are in a relationship with and who you are when you are in a relationship with that person, says Coelho.

“That’s because some combinations just don’t work, and we know that. Others are quite possible in many possible configurations. So, all these elements should be considered for a fine analysis, case by case, in order to be able to guide more precisely what care to be taken”, he concludes.