When coworkers work closely on a team project, is there such a thing as becoming too close? Not everyone thinks so. A recent survey revealed that 51 percent of employees said they have had an office romance.45 And another survey found that workers in their 20s and 30s view workplace romances more positively than older generations do.46 Sometimes, coworkers feel free to share personal information. For example, at one company, a team that had just finished a major project went out to lunch to celebrate. During lunch, one colleague mentioned that he was training for a twenty-mile bike race. In addition to a discussion of his new helmet and Lycra shorts, the person also described shaving his whole body to reduce aerodynamic drag. Later, another team member said, “Why, why, why do we need to go there? This is information about a coworker, not someone I really consider a friend.”

13-1. What do you think? Why do many work colleagues become romantically involved? Why do some coworkers choose to share personal information?

13-2. Should employees inform their managers about such relationships? Explain your reasoning.

13-3. What are the ethical implications of coworkers becoming romantically involved? Sharing too much information?