As Valentine’s Day brings workplace relationships into sharper focus, new findings suggest romance at work remains widespread, often quietly unfolding without clear guidance or oversight from employers.
Survey data shows that almost two-thirds of workers have been involved in an office romance at some point in their careers, revealing how frequently professional and personal lives intersect at work. It also points to unresolved challenges around boundaries, power dynamics and employee wellbeing.
More than one in 10 respondents said their workplace relationship involved someone in a management or senior role, while nearly one in eight admitted they were married to someone else during a secret affair with a colleague. The figures raise concerns about trust, fairness and emotional strain, particularly where relationships remain hidden.
Younger Workers Most Likely to Form Workplace Relationships
The survey found workplace romance was most common among younger professionals. Nearly half of respondents aged 25 to 34 said they had become romantically involved with a colleague, followed by just over one in five among those aged 35 to 44.
Entry-level employees accounted for the largest share of workplace relationships, representing 39.5 percent of cases. A further 11.6 percent involved employees in managerial or director-level roles, suggesting that relationships can emerge at every level of seniority, sometimes across reporting lines.
Company size also appeared to influence behaviour. Organisations with between 11 and 50 employees reported the highest rates of workplace relationships, pointing to the impact of closer collaboration, smaller teams and more informal working environments.
Office Settings Still Fuel Workplace Romance
Despite the rise of hybrid and remote work, most workplace relationships continue to form in traditional office settings. Almost three-quarters of respondents said their workplace relationship developed in a fully in-person environment, compared with 17.4 percent in hybrid roles and fewer than one in 10 among fully remote workers.
Even employees not personally involved in office romance reported seeing it around them. More than 80 percent said they had observed colleagues in romantic relationships during their careers, while nearly half believed workplace relationships were very common.
The data suggests that proximity and regular interaction remain powerful drivers of connection, reinforcing the role physical workplaces continue to play in shaping relationships, culture and wellbeing.
Uncertainty Around Policies Raises Wellbeing Concerns
Despite the prevalence of workplace romance, clarity around employer expectations remains limited. More than four in 10 respondents said they were unsure whether their employer had a formal policy on workplace relationships.
From a wellbeing perspective, that uncertainty can create risk. When boundaries are unclear, employees may feel anxious about disclosure, worry about perceived favouritism or feel pressured to keep relationships secret. In cases involving power imbalances, the lack of guidance can heighten discomfort and increase the likelihood of conflict or distress.
The findings also highlight the potential emotional toll of secrecy. Hidden relationships can add strain, distract from work and undermine trust within teams, particularly if colleagues feel excluded or suspect unequal treatment.
What Employers Can Learn
The research was carried out by Co-space, an office infrastructure company that designs and manages flexible workspaces for businesses. William Stokes, chief executive of Co-space, said the findings reflected how modern working patterns continue to blur professional boundaries.
“Workplace relationships aren’t new, but the way they play out today has changed,” he said.
“When people spend long hours collaborating closely, especially in smaller teams, personal connections are almost inevitable. The key for employers isn’t to try to police relationships, but to foster a culture of transparency, clear boundaries, and mutual respect. That starts with having clear policies in place and making sure employees understand them.
“What we’re seeing across modern workplaces is that uncertainty creates risk,” he added.
The challenge for employers, experts say, is balancing human connection with professionalism. Clear, proportionate policies that focus on disclosure, fairness and respect can help reduce anxiety and protect wellbeing, without attempting to control personal lives.