License to flirt or is it still licentious?

So you think you are a nice little suave boy or a cute Barbie? Don’t overdo the smile-and-flutter-eyelid act at office if you don’t know where to draw the line

No one can remotely believe that the workplace is absolutely neutered and the workers forget that they are sexual beings during office hours. There is always some sexual energy and a little harmless flirting could be a progressive way to channelise that energy.

Ever wondered how most of the successful people possess a charismatic personality? The secret of maximizing productivity lies not only in the confidence you have in yourself but also a little in the way you charm your team members. It has been observed that flirting establishes a cordial and friendly atmosphere in office and increases the productivity of workers. All of us seek attention and want others to acknowledge our presence.  And often flirting can lay strong foundations of a lifelong friendship and in some cases could even lead to a romance.

Flirting is not always about getting into someone’s pants! And that is a strict rule when we are talking about flirting in office. It can be a healthy way for the two sexes to co-exist. However, given the general assumptions that people do make, office flirting is practiced more than it is talked about. So, even if you have the hidden license to perform this art, it is licentious for the performers and the audiences to acknowledge the play.
Evolving work environment

Print and broadcast media abounds with debates, surveys and discussions regarding the recent developments in cross gender communication across the Indian sub-continent. In fact, the ripples were first felt in the corporate pool. This sector precipitated changes in the relationship between the male and female coworkers. In fact, since the 90s with the liberalisation of the Indian economy the officially appointed and the self appointed guardians of Indian morality have been diligently warning us about the changing sexual code of conduct that seeped in with the changing economy.

The change is not entirely intelligible yet, even after the tremendous efforts constantly made by the media and the academicians to define and christen it. Though the change has yet to go down in the pages of India’s sexual history, the change is quite tangible to the present workforce as more and more women opt to have a career. And with the balance in the male-female ratio in offices, a healthier and more relaxed interaction between the two sexes is fast becoming the norm.

Blurring lines

Flirting does not imply sexually suggestive behaviour at work but a light banter and exchange of compliments amongst colleagues which makes them feel good about themselves. People feel like dressing well for office and maintaining a pleasant disposition. It is a good dose for one’s self-image and works brilliantly as a confidence booster.

The trouble with flirting, and why some employers are wary of it is that sometimes what you think is just fun and banter can be interpreted more seriously.  People find it constricting and oppressive, if a member of the opposite sex becomes seriously interested in them. Such an invasion of the personal into the private is what most professional corporate offices fear. Some people might also take offence, and then it might not be so much fun anymore.

The lines between sexual harassment and flirting are very thin. Flirting should not make you presume that every person in office is your private property!  You must remain within limits and refrain from sexually suggestive verbal and physical behaviour without mutual consent.

Take care that you are not misinterpreted and that you stay within limits. Be aware of your body language which can send mixed signals if you are not cautious. A mixture of confidence and humility would do the trick. Flirting is an art and you must not miss out on the fun. Go ahead and hone your flirting skills. It is not a crime if you know how to do it right.