5 Rules for Dating Your Boss
by Jemima Codrington

They say don’t eat where you…well, you know. But when you spend 40 hours of your week working for, reporting to and generally existing around your boss, it’s not unusual for feelings to develop. Surviving an interoffice romance isn’t always Pam-and-Jim cute, especially when that romance involves seeing your boss. If you’ve got a thing for your superior, here are some tips to avoid being the victim of malicious water-cooler gossip.

Check Up.
Firstly, check the company policy on interoffice dating. While many companies will simply require you to sign a waiver or declaration to avoid potential legal or discrimination issues, it is still largely discouraged. Do your homework before making the move, because if a romance with s/he will jeopardize your job, you may need to seriously weigh the pros and cons.

CMS: Confirm Marital Status.
It may be obvious to some, but in light of the recent marital indiscretions of like, everyone in Hollywood, we remind you: CHECK that your boss is single. Being his workplace piece on the side is not only degrading to your personal integrity, but it’ll also affect the way your co-workers think of you, thus negatively impacting your job.

Establish Rules.
Talk about things like how you’ll act together at the office party, or what you’ll tell people if they quiz you about your relationship. People are going to snoop and yes, most likely criticize. Have a game plan for both your personal interaction and your behaviour in public, so you don’t get caught out in an embarrassing situation.

Be Discreet.
It’s as true in your adult workplace as it was in your kindergarten class: nobody likes a show-off. PDA, flirting, make-out sessions and sex are all strictly off-limits in the workplace. Nobody else smooches with their spouse in the boardroom, do they? Act like a couple in your personal time, not on company time to remain professional and respected by your co-workers.

Use Your Own Blackberry.
Many companies monitor emails and SMS messages sent from company computers and Blackberry devices. If you don’t want HR reading your “What’s for dinner, snickle-puff?” email, don’t send it from your work device. Send personal messages from your own cell to keep them from prying eyes.

Don’t Slack.
It can be easy when you’re dating your boss to get a little…lazy in the workplace. After all, he wouldn’t fire you, would he? Slacking off at work will not only draw criticism and cries of favouritism from your peers, but it’ll also become a bone of contention between you and your partner. If anything, when dating your boss you should work a little harder to impress him professionally, personally, and avoid this pitfall altogether.

Have you ever dated your boss? How did it go? Leave as a comment!

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