Workplace Romances
Singapore comedian Elisha Tan makes the case for dating at work, and why there could be more pros than cons for doing so.
It’s Wednesday morning, and you find yourself in your fifth meeting of the day. You’ve already navigated Tim’s continuous interruptions, John’s repeated attempts to “mansplain” your project, and the unexpected responsibility of organising Vera’s birthday celebration, despite it being outside your job description – all before 11 am.
As you dread going through the rest of your day, you can’t help but wish for a comforting hug. Just imagine if your partner were there beside you in the office at that very moment. I can’t.
Working in tech, I often find myself surrounded by less remarkable versions of Mark Zuckerberg that are likely to inspire one to swipe left – and into the black hole of profile rejects.
I often ponder whether workplace romances are the forbidden fruit of my professional life. While dating a co-worker is a controversial subject, it’s worth considering the advantages it brings, such as convenience. Imagine sharing taxi rides to and from work, enjoying lunch dates at the office (for companies that provide meals), and freely discussing workplace gossip without the need to explain who John is and what he did – the list goes on.
However, the most significant advantage is sharing a common context. For instance, I work at a large tech company during the day and pursue stand-up comedy at night, which keeps me incredibly busy. It often feels like living in a fraternity, since I’m constantly surrounded by men – whether at work, networking events or social gatherings. A partner from my workplace would understand that this is a normal part of my life, even if I’m out with them until 2am. Both tech and comedy are male-dominated fields that rely heavily on building relationships.
While men outside of my workplace can be equally understanding, a partner in both life and work can offer something they can’t – tangible support, such as mentorship and networking. An insider is in the best position to directly assist your career. With all the benefits that come with a workplace romance, why isn’t it more common?
The answer lies in the tricky path to a successful workplace romance.