Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Last week we examined the pros and cons of office romances. In conclusion this week, we look at what happens when the parties involved have to part company but remain on the job.

Hollywood over the years has provided us with many examples of office romance, both good and bad. But, in real life, office romances are a controversial issue that often leave participants with mixed feelings.

Healthy and Natural

Office romances may be healthy and natural but when they turn sour can complicate business operations. After all, romances that go off beam can not only result in emotional pain for one or both involved, but may trigger unproductivity at the workplace. On the other hand, those that go fabulously well can have the same bottom-line impact on a company if the couple spends an undue amount of work time courting. And small businesses are usually mostly affected whether the relationship is sweet or turns bitter because personnel productivity usually deteriorates.

Clinical psychologist, Dr. Asquith Reid, notes that, office romances that turn sour may affect one's job performance, because individuals are usually in a state of emotional turmoil. He added that securing a job is a matter of stabilising oneself because work is the main thing that legitimises someone, making them feel good about themselves. He further stated that, work also allows people to feel a sense of accomplishment and it provides the niche to be respected and admired by others. Therefore, he strongly notes that the romance should not interfere with your job.

Spice Gone

When the spice has left the relationship and only bitterness remains, it can interfere with both your work and emotional status. Below are reasons for reconsidering entry into an office romance, especially because of the end result.

1. Resentment from other colleagues: When office drinks no longer whet your appetite, colleagues get hurt. And when the break-up is messy, they may lose their respect.

2. Public or nasty break-ups: After the break-up what will you do when you have to work closely together? The whole situation then becomes very awkward and will cause you nothing but stress that you did not bargain for.

3. How will your boss handle your break-up? It may cost you your job as you may not be able to function as you should.

4. Sexual harassment allegations: Charges of sexual harassment could arise. Nothing is worse than a woman/man out for revenge after a bitter break-up. He/she will go to any lengths to make your life a living hell even if it means a sexual harassment charge.

High drama

Office romances are potentially high drama. However, there are ways to diffuse the tension within the work environment.

Below, Dr. Reid gives tips on how to go about a office romance break-up.

1. When office romances turn sour and your work environment becomes stressful, the best option is counselling. This is for both parties and possibly colleagues who have become involved themselves. This will enable people to let go of negative feelings so that work can be resumed efficiently and harmoniously.

2. Those involved must act maturely and respect the fact that the relationship has ended. It does not mean that because the relationship has ended, the friendship should also end. Also, if you cannot be friends at least be civil, especially if you have to work closely together.

3. If the relationship ended in a real showdown, then it's wise for one or both to consider changing jobs.

Additional source: www.answers.com/topic/office-romance s