Office Love Stories

Ever wondered how many love stories orgs have killed? Right at the start, in the middle, intentionally adding to the cold start or making the friction more pronounced. Think about it: corporate policies, unwritten rules, and so to say "culture" might have ended more love stories (and still is) than we care to acknowledge.

Imagine two colleagues who hit it off -only to be told that their relationship violates some archaic HR policy. Or worse, they keep it hidden, living in constant fear of discovery. Why? Because the org demands a separation of personal and professional lives that’s unnatural and really there's no switch to human connection. How do it fucking turn it off?

I mean you spend more than half your day at the work place right? falling for someone out there - Happens. Then, wouldn't it get to you that you have to say something but cant say, have to wait, but cant wait, and the distractions and more. I have seen most sides I guess - exceptional performers getting together, one high one low getting along - good outcomes, I have seen public spats too - really ugly ones. I have seen folks in depression. I have seen the founders being shaky with the gossip and more..

So you got to ask:

• Does this really add to morale? who really wins here?
• Does it take you away from your goal?
• Why are folks so divided on this topic?
• Is it about control or culture or someones belief system coming in the way?
• What’s the real impact on employee retention?
• Do we really trust our employees enough?
• Can we redefine professionalism? and What if we embraced love stories?

Moral policing is not the answer. Neither is we dont know what they would do next - no one in the right mind is so horny that they bang right on the office floor (at least I would like to believe that) ... So.. is our insecurities too high, our principles too shaky, or we just like to be really really convenient.

Your take please.