When it comes to romance, adults behave like children’, he replied. There I was, arguing with my CEO, citing employees were adults as I disagreed with his stance to prohibit workplace romance via a policy. Years later I would work with another CEO who did not want workplace romance addressed in the HR policy. I did find out later that there was so much of it going on.

Anyway, before I tell you my thoughts on office romance, I will share statistics I came across from a 2023 survey by Forbes.

First things first, workplace romance is not going anywhere. Over 60% of people surveyed had been in a relationship with a colleague at work.

It came as no surprise why many people would engage in romance, afterall it is a fundamental human need to be loved🫂.

The key question though is why the workplace?

The survey revealed comfortability and lack of time outside office hours were top reasons. Makes perfect sense.

Some additional insights were on the nature of these relationships.

40% had cheated on an existing partner with a colleague. I also stumbled on another statistic stating 85% of extra-marital affairs happen with a coworker. Oh boy! This one gives HR work when it goes sour and someone’s spouse contacts the office.

On the flip side, 43% have married someone they met at work, hence the workplace remains a top place for meeting a spouse. As some of you smile at this, I will also recognise that most office romance relationships do fail.

Another interesting statistic was that almost half of the people, 47% had changed jobs to date a colleague. Serious business!

When it came to how employees engage in the relationships, more than half was through texting and flirting while 39% was a secret relationship and 17% a one-night stand.

When it came to work productivity and performance, over 50% believed it affected performance, work life balance and relationships with other coworkers.

In terms of effects on coworkers, over 60% heard gossip on office romance, while 49% were distracted by it and felt it caused favoritism.

And lastly, nearly one-third of workplace romancers create a breakup plan when dating a colleague. Psychologists need to help with this one. This is a case of planning to fail😀. Where’s the hope?

My thoughts today? I believe workplaces should have clear poilicies on workplace romance. Policies should recognise they are inevitable but must be managed in the interest of the organisatiom. For example, when I worked at a large multinational, it was fine as long as the couple were not in the same team. I have also experienced a romantically involved couple cause tension due to foul exchanges in a team meeting. Romance between colleagues can be awkward and disruptive in small teams. Also, romance between manager and team member can be subject to sexual harassment claims, one must thread carefully there.

So for now, I am in Team C- Clear Policies.

Agree or surprised at the stats?

Do share your thoughts?

#officeromance #hr #policies