The concept of sexual attraction has been discussed for centuries, but it is still unclear how this affects the workplace. It is possible that some workers are attracted to their bosses, colleagues, subordinates, or even clients.
Many people may disagree about whether to discuss such feelings openly or act upon them. Some say it's best to keep silent about one's romantic interests because they could cause trouble if they aren't reciprocated. Others believe that everyone should talk honestly about what makes them feel good.
Sexual attraction can be complicated when there is a power dynamic between employees. In most companies, managers have more authority than their direct reports.
If someone finds their manager very appealing, they might hesitate before admitting it out loud. On the other hand, if a worker feels attracted to another employee who has less status than them within an organization, they may find themselves feeling embarrassed or ashamed to admit it. As a result, many individuals don't speak up about their desires until after years have passed without success in developing a relationship with the object of their affection.
Employees need to maintain professionalism in the workplace. This means avoiding flirting, touching, kissing, or sexually suggestive behavior at work. When two employees have a mutual interest in each other, however, they may struggle to focus on projects and deadlines. A study by Harvard Business Review found that 78% of HR professionals surveyed had seen situations where sexual harassment occurred between coworkers. The report concluded that "the most effective way to prevent sexual harassment in the office is for employers to create clear policies against unwelcome advances."
Despite these risks, some workers still pursue relationships with colleagues. According to research published by Psychology Today, about 40% of Americans say they've dated coworkers during their careers. Of those people, 35% said they met their partner at work. Another study conducted by UCLA found that men were twice as likely as women to initiate intimate relationships with co-workers. While this isn't necessarily due to gender bias, it does indicate that there may be more pressure on women to maintain professional boundaries.
The decision to act on one's attraction can vary from person to person. Some people believe strongly in waiting until marriage before becoming physically involved. Others feel comfortable expressing themselves immediately if they find someone attractive. Still, others don't want anything physical but want emotional intimacy. There are no easy answers when dealing with sexual feelings toward an employee who outranks you within your company. It requires careful consideration of what you want, how much risk you're willing to take, and whether or not the relationship will benefit your career.
How does sexual attraction influence collaboration between employees of different hierarchical levels?
Sexual attraction can play a role in shaping collaborative interactions between employees of different hierarchical levels. In fact, research has shown that individuals may be more likely to engage in cooperative behavior when they perceive their partner as physically attractive (De Waal & Lammers, 2014).