With the increase of time we spend at work it is no wonder that some of us find the idea of dating someone from the office appealing writes Ioana Lazarov.

However, giving in to that temptation can cause your personal and professional worlds to collide and may prove more challenging than you first thought.

This leads us to the question – can your work life remain unaffected if you’re enjoying an office romance?

If the organisation you work for has a strict no-dating policy, then breaching that code of conduct could get you fired.

However, if your company is more laid back (or you’re feeling gung-ho about it), take the time to consider some of the ‘if-then’ possibilities.

For instance, if you date a colleague, then how might it affect how seriously people take you at work?

This will hopefully provide a clearer image of any possible consequences before you get too absorbed in anything.

Some other drawbacks of getting involved in an office romance is the impact on your productivity. Distraction from your duties and responsibilities are a major concern for both your employer and your colleagues.

Also ranking high on potential outcomes of an office romance are jealousy and the potential for public humiliation.

If you have to keep a relationship secret, this requires trust and the confidentiality of anyone you’ve told.

Or if your romantic interest suddenly decide they no longer wish to be with you, the fall-out could see a major change in the dynamic of your work environment.

But there are some of the advantages of having an office romance.

You can see your partner more often, you’ll save money on texts and phone calls, you can save money on petrol and you might even get a daily packed lunch out of it.

Leaving aside the cold, financial benefits though, true love really can blossom at work.

Being able to spend time with someone in the work environment takes the pressure of dating away.

After weeks, months or years spent working together friendships develop.

You discover shared interests and, if romance does blossom, you could even naturally progress to what could be the loving relationship of a lifetime.

And on that note, I wish you a happy Valentine’s Day!