How To Attract A Coworker to Fancy You in the Workplace: 5 Ways To Guide Subtle Charm and Professionalism

Workplace relationships can be both a beautiful opportunity to find a meaningful connection or, let’s be honest, a recipe for awkwardness and regret.

The key is treading lightly and blending a touch of subtle charm with professionalism.

If you’ve got your eye on a coworker and want to see if the spark is mutual, follow these five tips to strike the right balance.

1. Start with Professional Politeness

Politeness is like the universal green light when it comes to human interaction—it’s the foundation of making a lasting, positive impression.

No matter your role in the company, being approachable and respectful goes a long way in drawing others toward you.

Start by greeting them warmly whenever you cross paths. If you find yourself shy or struggling to maintain direct eye contact, here’s a neat trick: focus on the area just above their eyebrows.

It’ll still look like you’re engaging with them but without the added pressure of locking eyes if their charm has you flustered.

2. Sprinkle in Subtle Compliments

Let’s face it: who doesn’t love a well-timed compliment? Compliments make people feel appreciated and can leave a lasting impression.

But there’s an art to this—your praise should be thoughtful and professional, avoiding anything that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate or overly personal.

Steer clear of commenting on physical features, as it can come off the wrong way in a workplace setting. Instead, highlight their skills, work ethic, or even their sense of style—if done appropriately.

For example, “Your presentation skills are really impressive,” is a safe yet flattering compliment that acknowledges their strengths without crossing boundaries.

Here are some compliment ideas tailored to different situations:

If You Know Them Well

• “You did a fantastic job covering the agenda in today’s meeting!”
• “The results you produced are outstanding—I can see why you’re in this role.”
• “Your ability to stay organized and efficient is truly inspiring.”
• “I always appreciate your insights; they make such a difference in team discussions.”
• “You handled that tricky situation so gracefully—I admire your professionalism.”

If You Don’t Know Them Well

• “Thanks for your great input during the meeting today!”
• “You seem like someone who thrives under pressure—it’s impressive.”
• “I’ve heard you’re the go-to person for [specific task or expertise]. That’s amazing!”
• “You make it look so easy—you clearly know your stuff.”
• “It’s clear how much effort you put into your work, and it really shows in the results.”

Remember: moderation is key. Too many compliments can make you seem overly eager or, worse, insincere. A well-placed compliment now and then is all you need to make an impression.

3. Dress To Impress

We all have moments where we feel out of someone’s league, but here’s the thing: the way you present yourself can make a huge difference in how others perceive you.

Dressing your best not only helps you stand out but also boosts your confidence—and confidence is contagious.

Invest in professional, polished outfits that flatter you, and don’t underestimate the power of a great scent.

Just make sure you’re sticking to something subtle—no one wants to be overpowered by cologne or perfume in a shared workspace.

Taking pride in your appearance can make you feel more comfortable and even spark a compliment from the person you’re trying to attract.

4. Be Yourself (But with a Polished Edge)

The classic advice of “just be yourself” might seem overused, but it holds a lot of truth. That said, “yourself” doesn’t mean skipping the effort to sell your best qualities.

If you’re naturally shy, moody, or even a bit outspoken, try refining those traits so you come across in the most positive light.

For example, if you’re shy, work on engaging in small, meaningful conversations. If you’re naturally outspoken, make sure you’re listening as much as you’re talking. Authenticity is key—you want them to be drawn to the real you, not a persona.

But first impressions matter, so it’s worth fine-tuning how you present yourself initially.

5. Confidence Is Magnetic

Confidence is like a superpower—it naturally attracts others. When you carry yourself with self-assurance, it creates a ripple effect, making people want to be around you and, in some cases, learn from you.

At work, confidence could mean contributing thoughtful ideas during meetings, staying calm under pressure, or simply being dependable and capable in your role. However, if you crumble when you’re around the person you’re attracted to, it might give off mixed signals.

For those who struggle with confidence, remember: that it doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Start by focusing on the areas where you excel, and let those strengths shine. Even small moments of confident behaviour can leave a big impression.

Final Thoughts

Attracting a coworker while keeping things professional can feel like walking a tightrope—but it’s not impossible. The key is to remain respectful, maintain professionalism, and avoid forcing a connection.

Sometimes, even with your best efforts, the stars just don’t align—perhaps they’re in a relationship, or maybe their interests don’t match yours.

That’s okay! Stay positive, focus on building genuine connections, and let things unfold naturally. Who knows? That subtle charm you’ve been working on might just catch the right person’s eye when you least expect it.

Good luck.