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 Tips for romancing a co-workerHalf say they have dated a colleague; fewer keeping it secretBy Rosemary Haefner Editor's Note: CNN.com has a business partnership with CareerBuilder.com, which serves as the exclusive provider of job listings and services to CNN.com.  RELATED
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Or, visit Popular Alerts for suggestions. While romance on the job was once viewed as taboo, when Cupid strikes at work these days, it raises fewer eyebrows. CareerBuilder.com's "Office Romance 2006" survey examined what happens when co-workers mix business with pleasure. Although about half of workers say they have dated a co-worker -- similar to last year's results -- just 37 percent feel compelled to keep their relationship a secret, down from 46 percent a year ago. In this day and age, most people spend as much time at work with their colleagues as they do outside of work socializing with friends. Because of this, many individuals turn to the workplace to find romance. This phenomenon is no surprise. We share common experiences with our co-workers, relate to the same ideas and often end up socializing once we have punched the clock at the end of the day. Co-workers are most likely to couple up while working together on a project, with 22 percent of workers saying their relationships began that way. Other top locations where office romances found their spark: Workers aren't just dating their peers. Twenty-one percent admit they have dated their boss, up from just 14 percent last year. Nearly four in 10 say they have dated someone with a higher position in their organization. While men were only slightly more likely than women to date their bosses, they were far more inclined to say the relationship boosted their careers. Twenty-five percent of men who dated the boss said the relationship helped move their careers forward, compared with only 13 percent of women. Policies on office romance vary from company to company and it's the worker's responsibility to know where their employer stands. It's important to remember that even if both sides are willing participants, office relationships could have repercussions. One in 10 workers say their office romance drove them to leave their job. If you find yourself romantically involved with a co-worker, here are some things to consider: Mum's the word: While any secret is hard to keep, it's best to wait a month or so before you share your romantic news publicly. This will give you a chance to see if the relationship is likely to last past the initial attraction and may save face if passions fizzle after the first few weeks. Avoid P.D.A: While you may be completely comfortable with your relationship, public displays of affection, such hand-holding, caresses or even flirting can make others uncomfortable. Watch the lov-e-mail: Some companies prohibit the use of company e-mail systems for personal purposes. Others reserve the right to access or disclose electronic messages or files of an employee with good cause, such as suspected employee wrongdoing or concerns of sexually explicit content. Don't talk about fight club: As with any relationship, whether with a co-worker or someone outside the office, it's best not to bring your arguments to work. Workplace conflicts are difficult enough when two colleagues don't get along. Adding the emotions and tensions of a personal relationship to the mix can create upheaval. Keep things business as usual: Do your job efficiently and creatively. You cannot let your work ethic be compromised. If your romance is affecting your work, you may be asked to end your relationship or find another job. You may have to decide between your career and your companion. Love hurts: Remember that people do break up. Make sure you remain professional and don't burn bridges. © Copyright CareerBuilder.com 2005. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority
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