Over fifty percent of employees surveyed by Vault.com admitted to dating a colleague at least once. Even in the workplace, the chemistry of attraction can be irresistible. If an office romance does happen, there will be challenges whether it works or not. If you don't just break down and ask the person out on a date, then there may be a simple catalyst that sparks the next move. That's how long you have to be around someone you are attracted to. Keep it out of the office.

Dating a higher up puts both people at high risk, legally and ethically. Most companies have strict human resource policies about co-workers dating, especially dating a boss. The reason is that management must play an impartial role with all of the employees. It's review time, and you receive an above-average raise because of your stellar performance. It's later discovered you two are dating. Your boss will get in big trouble with HR. Both careers can be on the line.

HR is a little more lenient with this situation, but there still are issues to address. Any show of affection or persistent attention to each other will make the other staff uncomfortable. You'll appear unprofessional and people, including HR, may get the idea your relationship is getting in the way of your work. A big challenge will come when you and your love interest are both competing for the same position, raise or promotion. Co-workers may complain of favoritism.

Talk with your HR representative about the situation. If you are really sure about the relationship and want to weather the worst, have HR explain the company policy to you. Play the "what if" game with them, and find out if your relationship will survive in this workplace. It will be better for news of the relationship to come from you than through the rumor mill or a co-worker complaint. Only one of you will "win."