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Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot’s viral ‘kiss-cam’ moment at Coldplay’s concert has sparked online debates around dating your colleagues.
If your company requires disclosure, it is advised to be transparent with HR.
Offices have long been a breeding ground for budding romances, with most adults spending nearly a third of their lives at work. Over the years, pop culture has embraced the theme of office romance, giving us beloved fictional couples like Jim and Pam from The Office, David and Patrick from Schitt’s Creek, and Amy and Jake from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
While such romances are common and sometimes end in fairy-tale unions, dating a coworker can also blur professional boundaries and spark complications. A recent example making headlines is the case of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron.
On Wednesday, Byron was spotted at a Coldplay concert when the camera captured him in a close embrace with Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer of his company. The two appeared wrapped in each other’s arms, prompting Cabot to quickly shield her face as Byron ducked beneath the seats in an apparent attempt to avoid recognition.
The moment instantly went viral, igniting a storm of reactions online. Social media users responded with a mix of shock, humour, and criticism. While some expressed sympathy for Byron’s wife, others condemned the duo’s behaviour as unprofessional and reckless.
This real-life episode serves as a reminder that while office romances can flourish, they come with high stakes, especially when the personal bleeds into the public eye. This incident made us reconsider whether dating a coworker is appropriate, and if you do choose to date a colleague, what steps to take if you get discovered. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your relationship with a coworker gets caught.
Respect Company Policy
If your relationship with a coworker gets caught at the workplace, it is best to be professional and inform HR or your manager, especially if your company has stricter dating policies. If your company has a policy, it is best to follow it closely and disclose the relationship as required.
Be Professional
Regardless of your relationship with a coworker, it is advised to maintain a professional demeanour at the workplace and avoid favouritism so that your performance remains unaffected.
Avoid PDA
Any form of public display of affection that might make your colleagues uncomfortable should be avoided at any cost.
Communicate With Your Partner
It is best if you have clear communication with your partner about boundaries at the workplace and mutually decide how to handle questions or concerns from other colleagues.
Be Honest
If your company requires disclosure, it is advised to be transparent with HR, and even if your company does not have a policy, you should still consider informing your manager.
Learn to Manage Reactions
If you are dating a coworker, you have to be prepared for potential gossip and rumours from colleagues. It is best to avoid engaging in such discussions and focus on maintaining positive relationships with everyone at the office.
Be Prepared For Challenges
When you date a coworker, it often leads to awkward situations for others surrounding you; hence, you should always be prepared to address any challenges professionally. If the relationship ends, be prepared to be respectful towards your former partner and maintain a professional and cordial relationship with them.
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Delhi, India, India
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