Yet, you protest: “But we’ve got so much in common.” You do. You really do. Your job, your tea break, your colleagues, and the fact that you spend one third of your day at work … it was bound to happen, right? He or she provides support, encouragement, and inspiration. Add in the element of attraction and you have a recipe for a major crush.

Sex with your boss is a super common sexual fantasy, but what would the dating scenario look like?

Bill and Melinda Gates. Barack and Michelle Obama … office romances have spawned many of our best loved power couples. In fact, studies show that 4 out of 10 people meet their future spouse at the office!

The boss-employee relationship is not uncommon in the workplace. According to a poll by recruitment website Jobs2View, nearly half of bosses have the hots for a member of their staff. But before you embark on the office romance in full swing, it’s important to weigh the risks – and mind you, there are aplenty!

The obvious problems include distracting flirtations, accusations of favouritism, gossiping, and a decrease in productivity.

And then off course there’s the chance that things won’t work out. Consider the awkwardness or hostility that would accompany a bad breakup. Be mindful that when a relationship ends, often at least one person will be unhappy, and that can have a big impact on how you feel about coming to work every day. If you find it too painful or uncomfortable to work alongside this person, you’ll have to consider finding another job, or at least a transfer to another department. Also, don’t expect any peer support. It’s human nature to remain loyal to the person that pays your salary.

However, if you’re comfortable with the risks and still want to move forward, make sure of the office  policy with regards to relationships in your company. Many companies have explicit rules which prohibit employees from dating co-workers; investigate before you embark on a relationship.

Also, secrecy doesn’t work. Make it official. People will figure it out. However, keep your relationship at work professional. Avoid any public displays of affection and set boundaries; lunch is fine, but leaving your work station every 15 minutes to chat is not.

If you do decide to get your honey where you get your money, know that your relationship with your chums at work will change, and that achievements and promotions might be undermined; it will be assumed that the boss must have helped you in some way or another.

Office romances will always be tough due to the fact that a personal relationship could feasibly affect professional judgement.

Dating your boss will certainly come with baggage. It’s up to you to decide whether the relationship is worth the trouble.

Source: huffingtonpost.co.uk, hbr.org, incafrica.org, the hrdigest.com, yourtango.com, cosmopolitanme.com, psychologytoday.com, eropeanceo.com, lovepanky.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.