For years, office romances have delighted audiences on screen, from the playful chemistry of Jim and Pam in ‘The Office’ to the crime-solving romance of Jake and Amy in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine.’ Even in literature, workplace love stories like The Hating Game have been widely loved.
The idea of finding love amidst deadlines, meetings, and coffee breaks has long been considered an exciting and romantic possibility. But in reality, office romances seem to be losing their charm.
Recent studies suggest that workplace relationships are on the decline. Despite companies becoming more lenient with office dating policies, fewer employees are engaging in workplace crushes or relationships. So, what’s causing this shift?
Canva
Decline in office crushes and dating
According to a survey by SHRM, there has been a significant drop in office romance. Just a year ago, nearly half (49%) of employees admitted to having a crush on a coworker, but that figure has now lowered to 22%—a stark 27% decrease. Similarly, office dating has also taken a hit, with only 16% of employees reporting they have dated a colleague, compared to 21% the previous year.
This drop isn’t due to stricter workplace policies—on the contrary, many organisations have relaxed their rules on office dating. Instead, employees seem to be making a conscious choice to clear of romantic relationships at work.
Why are workplace romances fading?
One of the primary reasons behind this trend is the changing nature of work itself. With the rise of hybrid and remote work models, employees are spending less time in the office, reducing opportunities for organic connections. Gone are the days of casual watercooler conversations or bonding over late-night project deadlines—virtual meetings don’t quite allow the same kind of chemistry.
Additionally, many employees now prefer to maintain clear boundaries between their personal and professional lives. Dating within the office comes with risks, including awkwardness if the relationship doesn’t work out, potential gossip, or even reputational damage. Some professionals also worry about ethical concerns, particularly when dating someone in a higher position, which could raise issues of favouritism and workplace bias.
Canva
What still motivates office romances?
While fewer employees may be pursuing workplace relationships, some still find the idea appealing. The survey found that love remains the top motivator—53% of respondents cited companionship and genuine affection as their reason for engaging in an office romance.
However, not all motivations are purely emotional. Around 40% of employees admitted that their interest in a workplace romance derived from factors like physical attraction or the thrill of secrecy. Meanwhile, a smaller portion—29%—saw office relationships as a strategic move, using them to secure job-related advantages such as career growth or job stability.
A 26-year-old media employee shared, “Workplace romance seems enchanting on the screen, but the reality is a little bit more stark. Having personally experienced it myself, although the thrill of dating someone at your work is impossible, when you explore the practical foibles attached to it, you realise this is something to think about thrice, if not more times, before venturing into it. Love is love, but what starts in a cubicle may eventually just remain there.”
The future of love in the workplace
While office romances may not be as prevalent as they once were, they aren’t disappearing entirely. The evolving workplace dynamic is reshaping how relationships form, pushing people to seek love in spaces outside of work. With hybrid models and digital interactions taking centre stage, the traditional “office romance” may slowly become a whiff of the past.
