It isn't surprising that occasionally sparks fly when you consider how much time you spend with your co-workers.An office party can turn into a fling between you and someone you will see the next day.Maintaining a professional relationship at work requires both of you to be clear and honest with one another.If you decide the one night stand can turn into something more, be prepared to build a real relationship, one that isn't fueled by mixed drinks and a mutual dislike of your boss.
Step 1: Talk about what happened.
Make sure you know what happened and what your future intentions are.You don't want the other person to start making dinner plans for two when you're just looking for a fling.Talking about the situation outside of the office will make things easier.Say so if you don't think it's a good idea.If this is someone you work closely with, you can say something like, "I don't want this to get in the way of our professional relationship" and curtail the relationship.You can be more direct if you don't work closely together.If you didn't get a chance to talk after one of you left, try to have a private meeting at the office.When talking to your partner, be respectful.Half of women and 20% of men will experience negative feelings about themselves after a one night stand, usually shame for what they did or feeling that they have been used for sex."I've made a huge mistake, I can't believe we did that." are examples of statements that can be misconstrued.
Step 2: Make sure you have everything you need.
If it was at your place, your co-worker will get all of her stuff.Someone needs to go back later to pick it up if they forget something.It will be awkward at work the next day, so you don't want to have to see each other again.Not leaving something that you need to pick up later is what this means.It's not the way to go about turning your one night stand into something more.
Step 3: If you want to work separately, go to it.
You want to avoid drawing attention to what happened.You can arrive at different times if you don't take the same train into the office.
Step 4: Don't say anything to anyone.
The two of you should not discuss what happened between you.Information about you and your partner should not be broadcast.The rest of the office will know soon if one person tells them.That also means on social media.Businesses keep an eye on the kinds of things you post on social accounts, and it will be hard to keep people from prying if you are suddenly "In a relationship" or "It's complicated."
Step 5: If you get caught, confess.
If you are confronted about your hook-up by your boss, be honest.He doesn't need to know all the steamy details, but you should not lie about it.Depending on your office's rules, your relationship may or may not be problematic.Lying about it can cause problems for you and your co-worker as well as cause your boss to lose trust in you.You don't want to lie to your co-workers if they think they have figured it out.If last night's partner isn't telling the same story, it will only make things worse.You don't have to tell them anything, and you can remind them that it's not their business.
Step 6: Gossiping about what happened is not good.
Sharing intimate or embarrassing details about your partner is something you don't want to do.It may be fun to talk about her birthmark or odd bedroom requests, but consider how you would want to be treated.Gossiping about your co-worker will make it difficult for you to maintain a good working relationship.Your co-worker will know it was you who told them.
Step 7: Be professional at work.
It will be awkward at times, but you need to act as if nothing happened.Don't be afraid to steer personal conversations back to work, keep your regular routine and meetings.Not avoiding the person is also a part of this.It will be harder to do your job if you try to avoid talking to the other person.The priority for both of you at the office should be doing what you are paid to do.
Step 8: Do not do it again.
You want to be careful about getting a reputation as someone who sleeps around the office, even if it was a mistake.It will be difficult for others to work with you because of that behavior.You will have a hard time being taken seriously by someone else in the office.
Step 9: A relationship is built beyond work.
Work projects, bad bosses, and other things that take up your hours can make it easy to start a bond.It won't be enough if you decide you want this to be something more.You can enjoy doing things other than work if you look for it.
Step 10: Don't tell your boss about it.
This can be even more uncomfortable if you thought the morning after conversation was uncomfortable.It's important that your personal relationship is disclosed to avoid trouble with the company policy.The person who has been there the longest should be the one to start the conversation with management.
Step 11: You should have an exit strategy.
Most relationships don't work.Even after an office relationship ends, you have to continue seeing and working with the person.It could end up being too much if you stay friendly with one another.If the relationship goes south, make sure you know what to do.It could be moving within the company or taking a new job altogether.