Women are working now more than ever, and people are working longer hours and spending less time trying to find a mate. Naturally, this means that men and women are going to start forging sexual relationships with people they work with. While there is something hot and steamy about the office romance, you should think before making this leap. There are a lot of risks involved, and you’re going to have to be fully prepared for the consequences. Potentially, you can avoid them entirely if you watch out for these aspects:

– Be aware that your employer may have an employee dating policy. Definitely check on this before asking someone out on a date, because failure to do so could result in termination.

– Know the person as a friend before you ask them out. This way you can know if there are reasons to avoid her, and you won’t have to go through the mess of an office romance for nothing.

– It’s likely that the relationship won’t work out. What happens if it fails? Are you going to be able to work with this person again?

– The workplace isn’t your home. Don’t act like a dating couple while in the office, or it could jeopardize your job.

– The other person may be a great asset to you, as you will have a trusted person you work with. However, this also breeds bias.

– Date at your level of work. Don’t date above or below. Dating your boss is a great way to get you both in trouble with corporate and make other employees jealous and paranoid.

– Don’t forget about your other co-workers! This is just like with your friends, you shouldn’t ignore and distance yourself from them just because you are in a relationship. Especially in the work place, this could cause an uncomfortable animosity.

Keep in mind, this is a big decision that could impact the career of you and someone else, and if it doesn’t work out, you’ll be in for an uncomfortable work week. Make sure she’s the one if you’re going to go for it.