People often find their spouses in the workplace, but interoffice dating can be tricky.  Remember that your company may have strict policies about dating your co-workers, and that these policies are often put in place to avoid potential sexual harassment lawsuits. 

Company Dating Guidelines:

Before you begin dating a co-worker, check to see if your company has an employee dating policy. This information can be found in your employee handbook which you should have received on your first day of work. While there are no federal or state laws that prohibit employee dating, there are also no laws preventing employers from forbidding employee dating, especially between managers and those who direct report to them. Employee dating is more damaging in some occupations than others, so check to see if any company policies exist prior to beginning a romance at the office.  A few tips are listed below to guide you in the right direction when considering dating in the workplace.  Dating with the company can be risky so it is often a good idea to stick with a pool of prospects outside the office if at all possible! 

If you do find yourself contemplating dating a co-worker, develop an office relationship before you develop a romantic relationship. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the co-worker whom you are planning to date. 
 
Ask these questions:

• Is he or she related to the boss?
• Is he or she already in a relationship?
• Is the co-worker prone to gossip and tells his or her personal life to anyone who will listen?
• Do you feel that you will be compatible with this co-worker?
• If the relationship ends, how will it be handled?
• Do you feel that a romance would interference with company business? If so, how?

Realize that, in reality, relationships do not work out like they do on TV. Although TV relationships are very entertaining to watch, living through the drama may not be as much fun. If your dating relationship ends, whether on a good note or a bad note, you will still have to work with the co-worker.  For this reason alone, it is important to start any relationship out as slowly as possible, beginning with a friendship. Please also keep your career in mind when dating in the office.  It is easy to blend the two together and if things end badly, your career might be all you have left. 
 
If you choose to date a co-worker, here are a few things to remember:

• Agree not to flirt at work. Flirting makes other co-workers uncomfortable and can cause jealousy.
• Develop open communication.  Because you are dating and working together, communication is very important because the line between your romantic life and your professional life can sometimes blur.   It is important to discuss your feelings and be open about anything that might be of concern.
• Do not be afraid to talk about the topic of sexual harassment. Make it a point to agree ahead of time that if either party starts to feel harassed that it will be openly discussed, and that either party is free to terminate the relationship if any type of harassment develops. Sexual harassment is a major concern and occurs when an individual is discriminated against because he or she will not comply with unwanted sexual requests, must endure a hostile work environment, or is discriminated against because of special treatment given to a co-worker who complies with sexual requests. As you can imagine, this can open the doors for damaging results, whether it be professional or personal.
• Once the dating secret is out, be prepared to discuss the situation with your manager. Tell your employer that you plan to keep your relationship professional at work, will not participate in tasks where a conflict of interest may develop, and will inform your employer if either dating party starts to feel that he or she is being sexually harassed.

 
These guidelines should help keep you from being accused of sexual harassment and make your personal and professional relationship more productive and enjoyable.