Flirting at work: what is allowed? 7 important rules

 Flirting at work: what is allowed?  7 important rules

Both in relationships and at work, many people quickly react to everyday life with frustration and the search for a change. In both situations, a little flirting can work wonders.

Flirt among colleagues: 

A normal phenomenon in everyday office life

There is a relaxed atmosphere in many offices. Co-workers are on first-name terms and have an almost friendly relationship with one another. People greet each other in the corridor and like to chat about private matters. From time to time it also happens that the sympathy towards a colleague exceeds the normal level. Flirts among employees are almost as much a part of everyday office life as differences of opinion and conflicts.

This is also absolutely logical because most of us spend the majority of the day at work. If there is no time left for the bar, fitness studio, and Co. in the evening, the flirting skills have to be put to the test in the office from time to time.

Flirt rules in the office

Important to know: Never see your work as a dating site and your colleagues as a fair game. When flirting in the office, there are a few rules that need to be followed.

 Always flirt in moderation, never in bulk

There's no question: a little flirt among colleagues loosens up everyday work and provides variety. Despite these positive effects, you should never overdo it with courtship. As soon as your flirting activities reach a certain level and your productivity suffers, it won't be long before the first conflict - with colleagues or even the boss.

Always flirt discreetly

While in bars, discotheques, and other typical "flirting locations" you are welcome to go offensive, things should be more dignified and discreet in the office. The charm of flirting lies in the small signals that you send out and that are only received by the attentive observer. This has a great advantage in that others do not notice your activities and nobody feels disturbed by them.

Tip: Physical contact is an absolute no-go when flirting in the office. Approaches of this kind are immediately broadcast by the corridor radio and cause gossip and gossip. Also absolutely unacceptable are "flirting practices", which should rather be assigned to the category of sexual harassment.

 Never be pushy when flirting

A successful flirt always requires two people. If only one person is interested, it can quickly end up in an awkward situation. With regard to a healthy office climate, you should only flirt if the other person also signals willingness. Intrusive and harassing behavior (regardless of whether it is physical or verbal) is absolutely out of place here and can also lead to problems. More on this is below in the text.

Only flirt with single people

Do you know exactly that your colleague is in a relationship? Then decency dictates limiting the flirt to a few polite compliments. There is nothing wrong with telling your colleague that you look great today or complimenting your colleague on the new perfume. However, it should not go beyond this harmless limit if the "object of desire" is in firm hands.

Never flirt through business communication channels

Among other things, we pointed out how quickly an electronic message can be sent to the wrong recipient. Of course, this scenario is all the more unpleasant if the content of the mail is flirty or clearly ambiguous. The company mobile phone is also an absolute taboo for flirting. If you also want to flirt in writing, you should only ever use private opportunities for this.

 Always flirt with class

This rule should actually be a matter of course. If you want to flirt in the professional environment of the workplace, you should always be on a certain level. Insipid pick-up lines, whistles, vulgar remarks... none of that has any place in the office. If you want to get in touch with colleagues here, you have to turn the charm screw a bit more and come up with something sophisticated.

Always flirt with a goal in mind

Not every flirt has to automatically end in a romance or even a committed relationship. In the office, too, it's perfectly legitimate to flirt just for fun - if everyone involved is aware of it. As soon as desires and interests diverge, conflicts are inevitable. Here it helps if you have a goal in mind right from the start - be it conquering the queen of hearts or "just" a little change from the gray everyday office life.

May the boss forbid flirting at work?

Interpersonal relationships - no matter what kind - are private matters and are therefore not subject to your employer's sphere of influence. In other words, he or she cannot prohibit you from flirting with a colleague.

However, be careful because, as mentioned above, excessive flirting can have a direct impact on your productivity and the quality of your work. If the dredging activities in the office ensure that you do not do your job, your boss has the right to issue you with a warning. Unteachable repeat offenders can even expect to be fired.

It also becomes extremely problematic when the flirt goes beyond all limits and is perceived as a nuisance by the other person. Then there is even the threat of a complaint and criminal prosecution.

Read also:

3 Ways To Get Promoted At Your Workplace