Sexual relations between coworkers are common in many workplaces around the world. They can be exciting, fun, thrilling, liberating, and intensely pleasurable for all parties involved.
They also have serious negative consequences when one party decides to keep them secret from others. This is particularly true if that person has supervisory power over their partner. Here's why:
1. Emotional instability: Concealing sexual relationships from colleagues and supervisors can lead to emotional instability, which can manifest itself in various ways.
People may become depressed, anxious, stressed out, or even suicidal. It's difficult to feel comfortable in your own skin when you're constantly worried about being found out, especially if it leads to other problems like job loss, public humiliation, or legal trouble.
2. Lack of trust: Hiding a relationship means lying, which creates distrust among those who find out. Trust is essential in any working environment because it allows team members to rely on each other. When someone conceals their sexual activities, they create an atmosphere of suspicion and fear that makes collaboration more challenging.
3. Professional misconduct: Sexual harassment lawsuits can arise from hidden affairs, as well as accusations of favoritism or nepotism. An employer might view a worker as trying to gain unfair advantages over others or taking advantage of their position by engaging in such behavior. If caught, both partners could face disciplinary action up to and including termination.
4. Poor performance: Hidden relationships take energy away from work, causing decreased productivity, focus, and commitment. People may lose interest in projects or meetings, miss deadlines, or make mistakes. They may also suffer from physical symptoms like headaches, back pain, and stomach aches due to stress-related health issues.
5. Career damage: A reputation for secrecy can follow an employee throughout their career and limit opportunities for advancement elsewhere. Employers look for people they can trust; they don't want workers with skeletons in their closet. In some cases, employees have been fired simply for having previously hidden sexual relationships at their previous jobs!
What are the psychological consequences of concealing sexual relationships from colleagues and supervisors?
Concealing one's sexual orientation may have a profound impact on an individual's mental health and well-being. LGBTQ employees who feel pressured to keep their relationships hidden at work may experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The pressure to hide their identity can lead to a sense of double consciousness and social stress as they navigate conflicting demands between being true to themselves and conforming to social norms.