Workplace romances took a hit during the pandemic. But as people come back to worksites, love might be in the air; and employers should be prepared with appropriate policies and guidelines.
Meanwhile, a recent survey from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) offers some insight about love on the job:
- 33% of U.S. workers say they’ve are or have been romantically involved with a colleague already this year. They generally describe these relationships as low-key and unofficial.
- 65% of work romances are between peers, while 19% are between a worker and someone in management.
- Only 6% of workers say they began a new workplace romance during the public health crisis.
- Workers aged 18-30 are more likely than older employees to be asked on a date by a colleague, but only 26% of these younger workers say they’ve flirted with someone at work.
- More than three-fourths of workers say their employers require disclosure of workplace romances. Those employed by midsize and large organizations are more likely to say they’re required to report workplace relationships.
When policies about workplace romances are in place, it is essential to communicate these with all employees. It also is important that these rules be carried out fairly and consistently across the board at all levels and for all employees. Managers and top performers can’t be excused or excluded from policies because of their positions or contributions to the organization.
