Do you know what’s riskier than missing a deadline at work? Catching feelings for your coworker. From secret glances to those mandatory coffee runs, office romances are more common than you would think. But it’s not always butterflies and violins; sometimes an office romance can bring a termination letter. And that’s exactly what happened to Nestlé’s CEO, Laurent Freixe, who got fired on September 1, 2025, as reported by NDTV World. After 40 years of diligent service and a year after he was made the company’s CEO, Laurent was removed for having an “undisclosed romantic relationship” with a subordinate. This reminds us that when the lines between personal and professional life blur, the fallout can be career-ending. But is office romance really a sin?

A survey conducted by Forbes in 2024 reveals that nearly 60% of adults had a workplace romance. You might be surprised to know that 40% of these relationships even led to marriage. But almost 43% of workplace romances also involved cheating on an existing partner. This is where it becomes a problem. You spend a good chunk of your day with your workmates. So, it’s natural to feel attracted to someone you work with. But workplace romances don’t always end up like Jim-Pam from The Office. Sometimes, they might blow up in your face, like it did for Nestlé’s CEO, Laurent Freixe. And that’s why you must keep several factors in mind before dating someone you work with. Here are some dos and don’ts if you want to hit the accelerator on that exciting office romance.

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Do: Know your company policy

Several companies have strict rules about starting romantic relationships at work. In fact, a lot of companies don’t even hire a husband-wife duo to maintain their code of conduct. While it is admittedly exhilarating to break the rules, it could also mean compromising your career. Even if your company doesn’t have an explicit ban on romantic relationships at work, it’s safer for you to check your firm’s policies on office romances. Or you might end up like Nestlé’s CEO, Laurent Freixe. Even if there’s no prohibition on the relationship, your workplace might require you to disclose your romantic status to HR. They might even have you sign a contract stating that both parties entered the relationship consensually.

Don’t: Use your professional email to communicate

No matter how much you want to do it, don’t communicate with your partner via your professional email. The company typically monitors official emails to ensure the firm’s security. So, flirting with your romantic interest through your work email is as good as shouting it out through a loudspeaker.

Do: Be discreet

Discretion is your best friend when it comes to office romances. Planning to go with what the movies say and get it on in the supply room at work? Well, hold your horses. Making out behind closed doors at work might seem exciting, but it is also risky. Just because it’s an office romance doesn’t mean you need to act out the whole relationship at work. Keep your hands to yourself and the fun outside the office.

Don’t: Date your boss or your subordinate

The idea of dating your boss might seem sexy and electrifying, thanks to on-screen office romances. Unfortunately, real life doesn’t work that way. Dating your superior, or even a subordinate, is not exactly smooth sailing and might be the biggest red flag. You have to keep in mind the hierarchy at work. Dating your boss is going to spell trouble for you and make a mess. You will be the topic of gossip. Also, chances are high that for every benefit you receive from the company, no matter how much you deserve it, people will assume it’s because you are dating the boss. Your colleagues will assume that you will be the first in line for a promotion or a raise, souring your relationship with them.

Do: Have clear boundaries

Boundaries are mandatory in every relationship. But in an inter-office relationship, it’s even more crucial. Since the two of you will have a working relationship outside of your romantic one, it’s important to talk about the details. You need to set rules for how you’ll conduct yourself at work, like what “romantic” actions are allowed at the workplace or if you’ll strictly be professional. It will also be helpful to discuss how you will deal with a potential breakup.

Don’t: Flaunt your relationship at work

You might be tempted to lay claim to your partner, but refrain from flaunting your relationship at work. Learn to keep business and pleasure separate. Your romantic relationship is strictly outside the office, and it needs to stay that way. Indulging in sweet talk or PDA at work is only going to make your colleagues uncomfortable and scream unprofessional. So, keep your hands to yourself and make a clear distinction between your professional and personal lives.

Do: Make a clean break

Breakups are hard, we know, and they are even more challenging in an office romance. After all, you’ll have to see your ex every day at work. So, make a clean break to handle the breakup with your coworker. Deal with the emotional fallout of the breakup outside the office and don’t bring any sourness to work. What if you feel it’s too difficult for you to work with your ex? Try getting a transfer to a different department or look for a different job.

Don’t: Bring your relationship problems to work

Do not, at any cost, bring your relationship problems to work. Your workplace is not the space for you to air your dirty laundry. Don’t have screaming matches in the office or refuse to cooperate with your partner professionally due to a personal fight. Solve your relationship troubles outside the office. Similarly, don’t take your work to your personal life either. Just because you have professional disagreements with your partner doesn’t mean you should bring them up in a personal fight. Also, don’t hamper your career because of your relationship. You still need to get your job done at work for which you were hired in the first place. If that’s getting compromised, chances are you’re more likely to get caught and fired.

Do: Be prepared for some backlash

Kuchh toh log kahenge. It’s best you remember that and be prepared to deal with any disapproving comments about your relationship. There’s a reason people keep their romantic relationships under wraps at work, but chances are the truth could spill out. In such a situation, you might have to deal with some unfavourable consequences too. You could become the butt of jokes or the topic of gossip; be ready to deal with it all. It would be ideal for you to disclose your relationship to your superior to avoid any unpleasantness.

Don’t: Get involved with a married person

Even though this should be obvious, people often feel the need to miss the obvious. So, stay away from married people. That’s a whole other kind of mess, and mixing it up with a workplace romance is a total no-no. You’ll only end up dealing with heartache and lots of drama.

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