The likelihood of a relationship developing in the office is very much within the realm of possibility. A relationship, of course, could sprout anywhere, but the office environment makes it more conducive for a romance to blossom — the parties involved may be spending more time together at work than at home. Come to think of it: you work between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the office, plus overtime. Assuming you don’t go out on gimik, the other half of your time is spent at home, less the time you spend sleeping.A relationship could be of various degrees and may not necessarily result to a sexual encounter. Still, like the mile-high club, maybe there’s something thrilling and irresistible about having sex in the office. While the thrill is something that others would want to explore, it could also potentially give you the following headaches:
1. Dismissal from work or other disciplinary actions. A charge of sexual harassment may result to the imposition of disciplinary actions, including dismissal. Having sex in the office could also potentially violate other provisions of the company’s code of conduct, including gross immorality and, well, unauthorized use of company time and property.
2. A criminal charge for sexual harassment. There’s really no problem if no one complains. However, the fact that the subordinate “consented” to the relationship does not bar that same subordinate from filing a charge of sexual harassment, which we already discussed in a previous post, against the superior. A charge of sexual harassment is strictly limited to an act of a superior, but many companies broaden the scope to include acts comitted by everyone in the company, regardless of rank or position.
3. A criminal charge for adultery or concubinage. If you’re single, you could opt to stop reading at this point. If you’re married (or if you’re single involved with a married man/woman), perhaps you should consider the prospect of being criminally charged with adultery or concubinage.
So, should you come (or the next time you come) face to face with this “temptation”, take a deep breath and think of what you’re getting into. It’s easier said than done, though. Good luck. =)
(Originally posted at Pinoy Entrepreneurs; printed with permission)
