Office relationships happen. They happen often, and they will keep happening regardless of what company handbooks say. Forbes research shows that over 60% of adults have had a workplace romance at some point in their careers. The question is not how to stop them. The question is what makes one relationship end in a wedding and another end in a termination letter.
The answer involves timing, hierarchy, disclosure, and a fair amount of luck.
The Numbers Tell a Complicated Story
SHRM’s 2024 Workplace Romance Study found that 49% of surveyed workers admitted to having a crush on a coworker within the past year. About 21% went on an actual date with someone from the office. Younger workers drive these numbers upward. 45% of Gen Z employees say they have dated a coworker, compared with 21% of baby boomers.
Remote work has not slowed this trend. 84% of remote employees reported having a workplace romance, compared to 75% of on-site workers. A ResumeBuilder.com survey from 2024 found that nearly a third of workers aged 18 to 44 started a workplace relationship after returning to in-person work at least once a week.
These relationships do not always end badly. According to Forbes data, 43% of workplace relationships lead to marriage. 74% of workers who were formerly in a workplace romance said the relationship was worth it.
When It Works
Employees in workplace relationships report positive effects on their professional lives. SHRM research shows that 85% say the relationship improved their overall mood at work. 83% said it boosted their motivation. The same percentage reported a stronger sense of belonging. 81% said it increased their commitment to the organization.
These are not small numbers. Workers who feel connected to their job tend to stay longer and perform better. A relationship that makes someone happier at work can benefit the company too.
But positive outcomes require conditions that not every couple meets.
The Office Route Closes
Some employees prefer to avoid workplace entanglements altogether. The risks of awkward breakups, favoritism accusations, and career fallout push many workers toward external options. SHRM data shows 62% of former workplace couples continued working with their ex after things ended, and one in ten left a job they otherwise liked because of it.
For those who want romance without professional complications, dating apps for professionals offer a cleaner separation between career and personal life. Meeting someone outside the company removes policy headaches and disclosure requirements.
The Power Problem
Hierarchy destroys workplace relationships faster than anything else. When one person reports to another, or controls promotions, assignments, or compensation, the relationship becomes a liability.
High-profile cases illustrate this risk. In September 2024, Norfolk Southern fired CEO Alan Shaw for having a consensual relationship with a subordinate. The company also terminated the chief legal officer involved.
In September 2025, Nestlé dismissed CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation revealed an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. He left without an exit package.
Kohl’s fired CEO Ashley Buchanan in May 2025 after an investigation found he pushed deals involving a vendor he had been romantically involved with for years. He forfeited $15 million in restricted stock and reimbursed $2.5 million of his signing bonus.
These cases involve corporate leadership, but data from executive-change tracking platforms shows such dismissals are rare. Most companies handle these situations quietly, or not at all.
Disclosure Remains Rare
Only 18% of workers disclose office romances to their employer. 71% say their employers do not require disclosure. 64% believe companies should not prohibit workplace romances.
This creates a gap. Employees want freedom to date coworkers privately. Companies want protection from favoritism claims and harassment lawsuits. The average jury award for harassment cases exceeds $200,000.
68% of HR professionals identify favoritism as their primary concern. 61% cite conflicts of interest.
Love Contracts and Their Limits
Almost 50% of companies have fraternization policies, according to Roger Dunn Group. Some use love contracts where both parties confirm consent, agree to professional conduct, and acknowledge company policies.
According to employment law firm Bodman, these contracts provide evidence the relationship was consensual and show the employer took preventive steps.
However, attorney Chelsea Mesa of Seyfarth Shaw warned in Risk Management Magazine that love contracts should not be relied on as a primary legal defense.
What Happens After a Breakup
Breakups create new challenges. 62% of former workplace couples continued working together. 38% did not.
Reported consequences included retaliation (34%), worsened work-life balance (33%), and reduced workplace belonging (30%).
One in ten left a job they otherwise liked. This creates real costs for both employees and employers.
Policy and Training Gaps
40% of workplaces with romance policies report fewer conflicts. Policies work when they exist.
Yet only 25% of organizations offer training on relationship boundaries. Without training, policies become forgotten paperwork.
SHRM President Johnny C. Taylor Jr. stated in February 2025 that organizations need policies, training, and transparent culture. 77% of managers feel prepared to handle workplace romances, and 67% say their organization provides adequate resources.
So Can It Work?
Workplace dating can work. It has worked for millions of couples who met at the office and built lasting relationships.
Success depends on conditions: similar hierarchy, no direct reporting, willingness to disclose when serious, maturity after breakups, and sensible company policies.
When those conditions exist, relationships proceed without major damage. When they don’t, they can end in lawsuits, terminations, and lost compensation.
The office is where adults spend most of their waking hours. Attraction will happen. Disaster is not inevitable, but avoiding it requires thought before the first date.
FAQ
Is dating a coworker a bad idea?
Not necessarily. It can work when both parties behave professionally and avoid power imbalances.
Should I tell HR about an office relationship?
Disclosure depends on company policy, but transparency can protect both employees and employers.
Can a manager date an employee?
This is highly risky and often violates company policy due to conflicts of interest.
What are love contracts?
They are agreements confirming mutual consent and professional conduct in workplace relationships.
Do workplace relationships usually end badly?
No. Many couples report positive outcomes, and some go on to marry.
What happens if coworkers break up?
Some continue working together professionally, while others experience tension or leave their jobs.
