The Dangers of Asking Out a Co-Worker

So you've checked your company's policy on intra-office dating and found out it's allowed. You're in the clear, right? WRONG! There's more to think about than just whether the two of you will get in trouble if your boss finds out. There are a whole pile of headaches you could cause yourself whether you're in auto sales or SEO. Canada, United States, Britain, it doesn't matter where your office is. You should still read this article before you make your move. Here are some major dangers of asking out a co-worker:

Sexual Harassment Suits

The potential for your intended date to file sexual harassment charges against you if you ask inappropriately or put any pressure on is the number one main danger of asking out a co-worker. Even if you phrase your question in a respectful way, you can still leave yourself open to false allegations if things go badly in the future, so one minute you could be looking at buying a house together in Hamilton and the next you'll be combing the yellow pages for a good Hamilton, Ontario lawyer to defend you against criminal charges that will be on your record forever.

Abuse of Power Allegations

Especially if it's someone below your promotion level, you asking out a subordinate could give rise to suspicions that you're abusing your power over that person. Companies can't keep everyone at the same level forever or surround lower level employees with tamper evident seals to prevent their bosses from interacting with them, so obviously a fair amount of this inevitably goes on. It just behooves both parties to be careful.

Creating Office Gossip

Asking out someone in the office provides fodder for office gossipers, especially if you do it while you're at work. The opinions of your other co-workers and the rumors they spread may effect your standing in the workplace, your boss's opinion of you, and whether the person you ask will say yes or no. If your potential date fears the opinions of the other workers, he or she may say no even if they do like you. Plus, from then on every time your cubicle-mate catches you Googling things to do in Ontario at the executive recruitment services location you work at, he's going to give you a ribbing about whether you're still looking for somewhere to take your co-worker on a date.

Ruining Working Relationships

Asking a co-worker out effectively changes their mental categorization of you, and if they say no, they may be temped to avoid you in the future for fear of a renewed offer. If you're working for an auto dealership marketing cars and your potential date is the person who provides you with the cars' specs, this will hurt your productivity. If they say yes it could still lead to problems because you could generate anger and jealousy from other workers who also had designs on your beloved.