Office romances are on the decline across the United States, with fewer employees reporting workplace crushes, dates, or casual relationships, according to a recent survey by the human resources group SHRM.
In 2025, only 22% of employees surveyed indicated they had a workplace crush, a notable decrease from 49% in 2024. Similarly, the number of workers who reported going on a date with a colleague in the past year dropped to 16% in 2025, down from 21% the previous year. Workplace "hookups" have also become rarer, with only 7% of employees admitting to a "risky romantic encounter" on the job in 2025, compared to 13% in 2024.
The trend extends to long-term relationships, with fewer people meeting spouses at work. A 2020 Pew Research Center survey found that about 20% of adults over 50 met their spouse on the job, while only 13% of those aged 18 to 29 reported the same.
Experts suggest that the rise of online dating and more comprehensive sexual harassment training in workplaces may be contributing factors. Writer Juno Kelly, in a New York Times column, posited that the perceived risk of office romance now outweighs the potential reward. The decrease in workplace dating mirrors a broader societal shift, as other traditional avenues for finding partners, such as through church, friends, or neighbors, have also seen declines, with online dating becoming the dominant method.
Despite the overall decrease, for the relatively small percentage of workers still involved in office romances, motivations vary. More than half reported hoping to find true love, while 40% cited excitement, adventure, or lust as their primary drivers. Nearly 30% admitted to seeking career advancement, security, or power through workplace relationships.
Managerial Perspectives on Office Romance
Interestingly, a majority of managers surveyed by SHRM believe that workplace romances have a positive impact on team dynamics. Approximately 63% of managers reported positive effects, while only 12% indicated negative consequences. SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. acknowledged the challenges associated with office relationships, emphasizing the need for clear policies, effective training, and a culture of transparency to manage these dynamics effectively.
Among those who engage in office relationships, about one in five confessed to public displays of affection at work. The survey also touched on how organizations communicate policies regarding workplace romance, with responses varying in structure and strictness.