Flirting at Work

Natural flirts see nothing wrong with the occasional flirtation because it seems so natural. Like many other bad behaviors, flirting because you can doesn't mean you should. You should adopt a "no flirting" rule when at work with your fellow coworkers. Flirting feels playful and fun but the other party may be mistaking your "friendly" manner far differently. Take a closer look at your behavior and verify, at least to yourself, that your behavior is on par.

Are You a Winker?

Ah... the wink. This eye fluttering gesture may be interpreted many different ways. If you tend to wink at vendors, employees or co-workers you are flirting. Winking says, "I'm sending you a private, intimate message here. It's just me and you." Stop winking.

Texting Others

Sending little text to a coworker during a staff meeting is flirting. Picture this. Your red-faced boss is clutching his pointer and banging on his hand drawn poster board. He's obviously upset and you get a random text from a coworker. He texts, "ROFLMAO" or "LMAO." You look at one another and smile. Yeah, that's flirting. Don't text coworkers.

Cubicle Visits

An unannounced, just because cubicle visit could be considered flirting. When you visit a co worker's office have a reason. Work time isn't the time to be hanging out.

Dear Abby

Giving personal advice isn't recommended at work, especially if the other party is someone of the opposite sex. It's not your job to provide a shoulder to cry on or an ear to understand. It may sound cruel but the facts are that attachments are often made during these type of set ups. Don't be Dear Abby. Point the person in need to the HR department or to the department manager.

Makeup Application in Public

This one will sound old-fashioned but it makes the list in many companies. Please put your makeup on before you come to work or in the bathroom. Playing around with your lips at your desk looks unprofessional at best and may be a little flirtatious to some.

Wrong Comments

When you work with a group of people, it is easy to feel comfortable around them. Don't feel so comfortable you share the intimate details of your life or inquire about others. Getting that personal is flirty and should be avoided.

Avoid flirting at work. Maintain a professional image at all times and be on your best behavior.