Romance in the Office

Love is in the air this week, and it seems especially in the workplace, as a recent survey stated that up to 20-30% of married couples met at work!

The survey from Business Insider states that a huge 90% of us have been sexually attracted to a colleague and 54% admitted to having an intimate relationship ;) with a colleague and a shocking 49% had done so at the office. Research from the Society for Human Resource Management revealed that 43% of HR professionals reported romances in their workplaces.

With these huge figures, the big question is, is it a good idea to start a relationship with a work colleague?

Below are some interesting points as to why dating your colleague might cause issues:

  • When you and your significant other share the same professional world, it's hard to avoid talking about work and colleagues, even when you're trying to have a romantic dinner!
  • You won't be able to accept any promotion that would have you managing your significant other since well-run companies won't let you manage someone you're romantically involved with.
  • The relationship may cause drama or tension in the office if you have a fight
  • Internal gossip and rumours can impact the overall work environment


What if the relationship breaks down and you are stuck with seeing each other every day at work? It could create a hostile environment. And if the relationship does end badly, there is a big risk of sexual harassment or discrimination claims by one of the partners.

What’s an employer to do? We would recommend you work with your human resources department to put together a ‘best practice’ for risk management. Below are a few examples:

  • Consider developing a policy on workplace romances - If you create a policy statement make sure it’s clear and free of confusing legal terms and provide examples of conduct targeted for immediate dismissal.
  • Train your entire workforce about sexual harassment and include the issues raised by romances at work and your standards for professional conduct
  • Distribute your harassment policy on an annual basis
  • Be prepared to take action against employees who violate your harassment (or no romance) policy
  • Provide ethics training to supervisors


If you have a crush on your colleague and you have been out for a drink and think it could be going somewhere, check out the below tips to help you with your work romance.

  • Know your work romance policy – don’t let it get too far before you know what your company policy is and if it's okay to start a romance.
  • Be low key - keep the love letters off company e-mail and avoid public displays of affection
  • Discuss the issues that might arise – make sure you’re both on the same page

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