At the Accra branch of BrightPoint Microfinance, Mondays came with two guarantees: bad traffic and the subtle romance between HR lead Angela Boateng and Client Service Manager Theophilus Mensah.
They called themselves “work spouses.” Everyone else? They whispered, rolled their eyes, and watched like they were front row at a telenovela.
Angela was the polished, no-nonsense HR boss. The one who sent those strongly worded emails about lateness and dress code. Theo, on the other hand, was the life of the office. Charming, witty, always offering his waakye with an extra boiled egg to Angela at lunch.
It started with harmless banter. Shared laughs. “Let’s grab lunch, my work husband,” Angela would say. And she did — often. The two became inseparable. The office couldn’t stop talking. The problem? Angela was the one enforcing company policy. And she was breaking it.
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The Whisper Behind the Printer
It all came crashing down when Ama, the receptionist, got a warning letter for a minor issue; meanwhile, Theo was coming in late daily, but HR seemed to “miss” it.
Then, a junior staff member, Freda, filed a complaint:
“I don’t feel comfortable reporting to someone who’s clearly being favoured because of a relationship.”
Boom. Just like that, the whispers became an HR case… against HR herself.
The Aftermath
Angela tried to manage the damage. But the trust was gone. The MD called for an emergency ethics training. An anonymous staff survey showed morale had dropped. And worse, gossip about HR favouritism spilled outside the office.
Angela requested a transfer. Theo stayed behind, looking awkward and quieter now.
Moral of the Story
Office relationships may seem cute, the “work wife” who always knows your tea order or the “work husband” who helps fix your Excel formulas. But when roles, reputations, and responsibilities collide, someone always pays the price.
Boundaries matter. And in the workplace? Dating might cost you more than just heartbreak — it could cost you your credibility.
7 Reasons Why It’s Dangerous to Date a Coworker
In today’s modern workplace, it’s not uncommon for friendships to blossom — and sometimes those friendships grow into something more. With long hours, shared goals, and a few lunches here and there, it’s easy to see how workplace romances start. But before you get too cozy with “your person” from the office, you might want to think twice.
Here are seven reasons why dating a coworker can be risky, especially in a Ghanaian work setting.
1. The Gossip Mill Will Find You
Let’s face it — Ghanaians love “gist.” Once your relationship hits even one curious eye, the entire office could be talking. And it’s rarely in whispers. Your name may start popping up in conversations by the coffee machine, under people’s breaths in meetings, or worse, in HR’s inbox. The result? Your reputation might take a hit, even if your performance doesn’t.
2. Favouritism Becomes the Elephant in the Room
If your partner suddenly receives a raise or recognition, the entire team might start giving them side-eye. Whether or not favouritism is real, perception is powerful and it can undermine trust, create resentment, and fuel unnecessary drama.
3. Personal Drama Meets Work Pressure
Fighting at home? Guess what — you’re still stuck in a strategy meeting with them the next day. Dating a coworker makes it hard to leave personal issues outside the office. One unresolved text argument can turn a smooth workday into an emotional rollercoaster.
4. Breakups Don’t Respect Office Hours
Not all relationships end with mutual understanding and peace. If things turn sour, it can create an awkward or even toxic work environment. Imagine sitting in a team meeting or collaborating on a project with someone who just broke your heart. Painful? Absolutely.
5. You Might Violate Company Policy
Most HR departments, especially in formal Ghanaian organisations, frown upon office relationships. Some require employees to disclose it; others prohibit it entirely. Sneaking around can lead to disciplinary actions, and in some cases, dismissal.
6. It Can Break the Team Spirit
People may start avoiding you, especially if they feel you’re forming an “us against them” duo. Team collaboration may decline, and some colleagues may withhold feedback or input due to discomfort or a fear of drama.
7. Emotions Can Cloud Your Judgment
Love is beautiful, but it can blur your objectivity. You might find yourself defending your partner when they’re wrong or struggling to give honest feedback. And when decisions become emotional, professionalism takes a hit.
Conclusion: Love Wisely, Work Smart
Romance in the workplace might seem convenient, even exciting, but the risks often outweigh the rewards. If things go well, it could still complicate your professional reputation. If things go wrong, it could derail your entire career.
So, before you slide into your colleague’s DMs or say yes to after-work drinks that feel “more than friendly,” ask yourself: Is it worth it? In most cases, the answer is no. Keep the heart matters outside the office, your career may thank you for it.
