Sexual attraction between co-workers is common and can lead to unprofessional behavior if it is not managed properly. Informal social norms are important for managing this kind of situations. This includes rules that are not written down, but understood among workers. These norms control how people behave around each other when they have romantic feelings towards one another.
The first thing to understand about these norms is their informality. They are not formal policies, laws, or regulations, but rather something that emerges naturally from within the workplace culture. People who work together often develop an understanding of what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to expressing interest in others.
Some companies have a strict no-dating policy, while others allow dating as long as it does not affect work performance. In general, however, there are some guidelines that apply across all industries.
One guideline is to keep personal relationships private. While it may be tempting to share your feelings openly with colleagues you find attractive, doing so could create tension and jealousy among other employees. It's best to keep these things to yourself until you're sure someone shares those same feelings back. If someone approaches you with romantic intentions, politely decline without being rude.
Another guideline is to avoid physical contact outside of professional settings. Flirting and touching at work can make people feel uncomfortable and create problems if things don't go well later on. Instead, save any interactions like this for after hours. If you do decide to pursue a relationship with a co-worker, make sure it stays separate from your professional life.
Never use company resources for personal gain. This includes using company time or property to communicate with your crush. Don't send emails or texts during work hours, or try to get them alone during meetings. Keep your conversations limited to what's necessary for the job.
By following these informal norms, workers can manage their attraction to each other in a healthy way that respects both themselves and their coworkers. Doing so will ensure a more productive environment where everyone feels comfortable working together.
How do informal social norms govern the expression of personal attraction at work?
Informal social norms are understood as unwritten rules that guide behavior in particular contexts. These norms can be observed implicitly and explicitly, and they vary across cultures and organizations. Attraction between coworkers is often considered private and therefore not openly discussed. This silence about attraction at work has been found to lead people to conceal their romantic interests from others (Murphy & Gutek, 2013).