Flirting with Disaster (and Coworkers)

A shy smile.

A flip of the hair.

A lingering touch.

At the bar, shameless flirting can lead to mingling, exchanging number, or, most importantly, free drinks.

But what about in the workplace?

I’m not talking about office affairs. I’ve already talked about how office affairs are bound to happen (and how, as long as I don’t catch you on the copy machine, it shouldn’t really be an issue).

And, as someone who doesn’t really care about office affairs, it might surprise you that I’m anti office flirting.

Yup. That harmless extra five minutes at someone’s cubicle? The going out of your way to buy someone a Starbucks frappuccino? That coquettish giggle over an emoticon-filled e-mail?

Annoying.

This Excel sheet really brings out the color in your eyes.

And, in my humble opinion, should be kept out of the office.

So, why then would I have a problem with flirting and not affairs?

Well, for one thing, people having affairs at work usually try to keep it quiet. So no one has to be bothered by it. And, when coworkers find out, which they will, it’s a scandalous piece of gossip (which I’m usually the last to know about, thankyouverymuch).

Flirting, on the other hand, is never subtle. It’s in your face. And in the face of everyone trying to work around you, effectively making everyone uncomfortable. And nauseated.

Plus, if you’re flirting with a coworker, but the coworker doesn’t feel the same way back, it could leave you open for sexual harassment claims.

Of course, if you’re on the receiving end, and you’re enjoying it, flirting in the office can make the day go by faster and give you something to look forward to.

As human resources managers, what’s your take on flirting in the office? Is it just harmless fun? Or can it leave the company open to lawsuits? I can’t imagine any company has an official policy on it; after all, some people have flirty personalities. Have you ever gotten any complaints about coworkers who flirt in the office?

I bet big, strong human resources managers such as yourself have a great handle on this topic. *wink*