Love is in the Air… and the Breakroom

Office romance, it’s the subplot of countless movies, the inspiration for entire TV series, and a reality in many workplaces. According to a 2023 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), nearly 58% of workers have witnessed an office romance, and 27% admit to being romantically involved with a coworker. While a little love in the air can boost morale, it can also create complications that HR professionals and managers are often left untangling. So, how do we balance the sparks with professionalism without turning the workplace into a soap opera set?

The statistics speak for themselves: office relationships are common and, in many cases, unavoidable. Approximately 37% of workers believe office romances improve job satisfaction, but another 29% think they create unnecessary drama. It’s not just entry-level employees engaging in workplace romances either—nearly 40% of these relationships involve at least one manager. While lovebirds may see these relationships as harmless, HR teams see potential landmines like favoritism claims, decreased productivity, and even harassment lawsuits.

Office romance can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, couples who successfully navigate workplace relationships can foster stronger teamwork and collaboration. However, if things turn sour, the fallout can impact not just the individuals involved but the entire team. SHRM also notes that 17% of employees who engaged in office romance reported that it negatively impacted their careers. Whether it’s favoritism allegations or awkward team dynamics post-breakup, HR is often left managing the aftermath.

HR’s Role: The Love Police or Relationship Coaches?

As HR professionals, we’re not here to ban love but to ensure it doesn’t derail the workplace. A well-drafted romantic relationship policy can set clear expectations while allowing relationships to flourish responsibly. Some policies require couples to disclose their relationship, especially if there’s a supervisor-subordinate dynamic, to avoid conflicts of interest. A proactive HR team can also offer training on maintaining professionalism in the workplace and handling conflicts of interest.

Cupid’s arrows don’t always check job titles or reporting lines before they fly, but HR professionals have the responsibility of ensuring that love in the workplace doesn’t create chaos. With clear policies, open communication, and a bit of humor, we can navigate office romance without letting it derail productivity or create legal headaches. So, the next time you spot two coworkers sharing a lingering glance over the copier, remember: love may be blind, but HR definitely isn’t.

Elga Lejarza

Founder & CEO

HRTrainingClasses.com

HRDevelop.com

Lejarza HR Consulting