Dear Tamara:
My best friend is a such a flirt! It’s one thing when she flirts when we are out socializing, but it is a totally different thing when she chooses to flirt at work. She constantly flirts with our boss and the other men at our job. I tried to talk with her about it on several occasions, but she just laughs it off and says that it is harmless and that she doesn’t mean anything by it. I personally get very embarrassed when I catch her flirting at work, especially with men who I know are married or in serious relationships. I think my friend makes herself look cheap and desperate. I also think it’s beginning to rub the other women in our department the wrong way. I am beginning to hear office chatter and see that people are treating her different. I am worried that my friend’s flirting is going to blow up in her face?
W. Smith
Dear W. Smith
I read an article some time ago that said flirting was a networking skill and, when done right, it is a sign of confidence and superb negotiation skills. I didn’t agree with it then and I don’t agree with it now! I do not support “flirting” in the workplace. I think it is unnecessary and will eventually have negative effects on the work environment and working relationships.
It is clear that your friend does not see how her behavior is affecting you or others in the office. And like your friend, many people consider flirting to be harmless. Especially if they do not “cross the line.” But I believe flirting automatically crosses every line for what is deemed appropriate in the workplace. Not only may you not be aware of a person’s relationship status, you may not be aware of their boundaries when it comes to communication. Though flirting may seem playful and harmless, it can send the wrong message and be very damaging. And if flirting at work is inappropriate behavior, flirting with your boss is disastrous behavior. It can put everyone in the office in an uncomfortable or compromising position. Your feelings of embarrassment and the chatter of others in your office is a prime example.
With sensitive issues surrounding sexual harassment and hostile working environments, we have to be more responsible when it comes to our actions and how they affect others. Many flirters claim that they are just being sociable and friendly. Well there are definite ways to be friendly without flirting and/or making others feel uncomfortable. And what may seem innocent and harmless to some, may greatly offend others.
Flirting should never be done in the workplace, especially not with your boss. It is very unprofessional and could very well end up back fiiring. A lot of people say that flirting is harmless but I beg to differ, especially when the person you are flirting with is married. I would surely not take it lightly if I found out someone was flirting with my husband. She needs to take that into consideration and think how would she feel if the tables were turned…not so harmless then is it?!!!!