The one question that determines if a workplace romance is actually worth it.

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

We've all seen what happens when office romances go spectacularly wrong. But other than, you know, not having an affair with a married co-worker, how do you actually know if getting with your hot colleague is worth it?

It was a question posed to Mamamia's BIZ podcast by an anonymous listener, who found themselves in this exact dilemma. 

"I'm about to do something potentially very stupid," they shared. "There's this incredibly attractive colleague who I've been having serious sexual tension with for months.

"We've been staying back late, working together, having long lunches, and the flirting has reached dangerous levels."

Dangerous.

Watch: Emily Vernem shares how she went from team member to manager. Post continues after video.

The listener went on to say that they and their co-worker are in different departments, so have "no conflict of interest", but others "would definitely notice" if things turned romantic between them.

"What if it doesn't work out and things get awkward? But also, what if I let fear stop me from something that could be amazing? Has anyone successfully navigated an office romance without it becoming a complete disaster? I need to know if I should go for it or keep things strictly professional," they asked.

Ahh yes, a pickle indeed.

There is a lot at stake, as BIZ host Sarah Davidson pointed out.

Image: Getty.

"There is a lot to be said for not letting your personal desires undermine your professional reputation. I think there are much bigger consequences for women in the workplace in this situation than there often are for male colleagues," she shared on the podcast.

However, as the lawyer-turned-entrepreneur noted, oftentimes the workplace is an opportunity to meet people with shared interests and lifestyles. 

"On the one hand, it's possibly the best breeding ground for you to meet someone like-minded. On the other hand, if it doesn't work out, it could absolutely be a disaster because it's inescapable to avoid a colleague versus avoiding some random," she said.

In the end, she says, it comes down to one question:

"The first thing is deciding whether there's a difference between 'I'm attracted to this colleague because I just want to sleep with them' or 'I'm attracted to them because I think there's a really meaningful connection'," Sarah said.

It's like an office romance risk calculator.

"The risk analysis is very different if you just think they're hot and you might have a one-night-stand versus I think this could turn into something."

Listen: The Biz episode that explains the 'office romance risk calculator'. Post continues below.

It's all about the level of investment.

"Is this a sexual thing or is this a really emotional deep thing?" Sarah continued. "If it's a really emotional deep thing, it's obviously worth taking more risks than it is for just a sexual fling.

"I think the best way to look at things is, 'What's the worst case scenario? How badly could it go?' And assume that it could happen, and then think about whether you could cope with that or not. If you couldn't, it's not worth it."

Co-host Em Vernem echoed the sentiment, and added it's also worth weighing up how much you care about the job.

"I want you to consider, is this a career or is it just a job? If it's just a job, you can have more fun with that, you can probably risk it a bit. But, if it's a career where you see yourself in this workplace for a really long time, where you see yourself working up the ladder… that can also be a huge risk to your career because you will act differently."

Of course, people have successfully navigated workplace romances before (just look at Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr.). But for every fairy-tale ending, there is at least two failed office flings avoiding eye contact in the elevator.

"My advice would always be 'Don't make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings'," Sarah said.

"So if you think it's temporary, don't make a permanent decision that could ruin everything for you. If there is a chance that it could be more permanent, then give it a little bit of breathing space outside the workplace and see."

Feature Image: Getty