So here’s the deal. You’ve just graduated, and you’ve just started your first real world job (Note: The paper route you had when you were 12 doesn’t count). It’s your first week on the job, and while doing rounds, a few of your co-workers have piqued your interest. You think to yourself, “That’s great, but should I date people I work with?”

Don’t worry, we’ve all gone through this before. Some say inter-office dating is the best. Others say to avoid it by all means necessary. In the end, it’s probably somewhere in the middle. For most of us, 40+ hours a week will be spent on the job. That’s one-quarter of our working lives spent at the office and that’s only if you don’t plan on sleeping. It’s best not to completely write off all those people.

Before taking any action, you probably want to brush up on your company’s policies on office romances. It might sound silly but more and more companies are drawing bolder lines when it comes office dating. Some even go so far as to force would-be couples to sign a love contract.

A 2003 survey conducted by Vault.com, showed that 47% of their respondents have dated people they work with. 19% responded that although they haven’t yet, they would if the opportunity presented itself. Those are interesting statistics, but what you might find most interesting is that 55% said that their office dating had “no repercussions.”

My thoughts? I find relationships work best when three things are acheived:
1) there’s a mutal physical attraction,
2) you have something in common, and
3) you get to spend a lot of time with each other.

So back to those people who caught your eye that first week. Work helps you out with #2 and #3. As for #1…well, you’re at least halfway there!

Vault’s Office Romance Survey, 2003 from Vault.com