Dealing with the office flirt

Eight hours a day (sometimes more), six days a week -- that's the amount of time any employee would generally spend in the office. If you have a routine job, it's but natural for a bit of ennui to set in or to get the 'office blues'.

The office flirt can overstep the line if he perceives a little encouragement
from you. So make sure you tread the ground carefully

At such times a bit of casual flirting and banter in the office could liven up things, but it's important to know when to draw the line. It's very possible that the office flirt perceiving a bit of ncouragement can overstep his/her boundary. So while it's fine to mingle and get 'pally' with your colleagues, it's best to use caution with the relentless office flirt:

Freeze them out
Normally the office flirt is readily identifiable; he's the person who will put a hand on your shoulder while pointing to something on your desktop or compliment you on your looks etc. Freeze such a person out at the beginning itself, make it very clear that you don't appreciate such behaviour and would like to work professionally. Never accept any gifts, snacks or even a coffee.

Be in sync
Very often a person may say something but their body language may send out a different signal, the flirt may feel that you are interested after all. Make sure that your words and body language are in sync; for instance, don't lean towards the person if you are asking him to stay away.

The written word
Beware of the kind of emails the office flirt sends you and especially be careful of the replies you give. It's easy to sometimes forget yourself and answer to a humorous mail with an equally funny reply, but this could get misconstrued. It would be prudent to save any emails that you receive that have any personal content; this could help you prove your case to the upper management in case things get hairy.

Be consistent
You need to be sure of your stance when it comes to the office flirt. If you have decided to repel his advances, you can't give a bright smile when he says you're 'looking good today' and then refuse to take a coffee break together. Be consistently firm on your response and he/she'll soon tire and direct their energies and attention towards
someone else.

Get help
There could be a point where the flirt adopts a more aggressive stance, coming on too strong or dropping sexual innuendos that make you uncomfortable. This could be despite your employing all the above tactics. Then it's time to take the matter to your immediate superior, who can have a private word with the person concerned to 'back off'. No company needs the attention of a sexual harassment suit, so you can be sure your voice will be heard.

Office flirting is a dangerous game even though it may seem like fun. Always bear in mind that you are in a professional environment, it's best to keep your reputation squeaky clean!

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