Is It Taboo?

As the old adage goes, “You should never mix business with pleasure.” But studies show that the majority doesn’t follow that advice. In 2006, a poll conducted by Vault.com showed 58 percent of employees reported being involved in an intra-office romance. Should sex in the workplace be tabooed or openly accepted?

It depends on whom you ask. Over the years, steamy workplace affairs have made headlines, ruined careers, and embarrassed families. Most recently, America has learned about an alleged affair between Detroit’s Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his Chief of Staff Christine Beatty—resulting in Beatty’s resignation. At the beginning of March, Mayor Kilpatrick was also asked to resign due to the affair, but would not voluntarily. He awaits a decision to be forced out of office based on the outcome of his pending whistleblower case.

Sadly to say, these incidences are not new to politics. One of the most controversial political sex scandals is linked to former President Bill Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky. As Clinton was then president of the United States, an impeachment discussion was imminent.

In the early 1990s, Americans may remember an alleged harassment that almost cost a Supreme Court nominee the title. Clarence Thomas’ nomination to the Supreme Court was jeopardized when Anita Hill testified that Thomas spoke to her, “about acts that he had seen in pornographic films involving such matters as women having sex with animals and films showing group sex or rape scenes…”

Hill continued, “On several occasions Thomas told me graphically of his own sexual prowess. Because I was exextremely uncomfortable talking about sex with him at all and particularly in such a graphic way, I told him that I did not want to talk about these subjects.” Her testimony and the hearing were nationally televised and questioned Thomas’ character, credibility, and right to take a seat on the Supreme Court. In the end, Thomas did win the nomination, but after a long and strenuous courtroom fight.

At the same time, close bonds and even marriages have resulted from intra-office romance. Notably, celebrity couples such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the late Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams, and Lela Rochon and Antoine Fuqua began relationships while working together.

Sex or Success
The most important aspects to consider before getting involved in an intra-office, intimate relationship is how it will affect your success with the company, your work and performance, and be viewed by your superiors.

Whether this practice is tabooed or should be openly accepted, be aware of some dos and don’ts to sex in the workplace. I believe if you follow them, you can have a fulfilling, intimate relationship at work without the cost of jeopardizing your job, public embarrassment, and/or scandal.

Mixing business with pleasure can be career threatening and other times it can hasten your move to the top. History has shown, however, that it may get ugly or take an unexpected turn. Just remember that you’re fighting the odds when you decide to date a coworker. Nonetheless, be smart about your decision to partake in sex in the workplace. ¶