"Never get into an office romance."

That's quite a piece of advice—and one of the first tips you'll hear from the moment you enter your professional life. Many companies have policies about relationships between employees, some even prohibiting them outright. When you signed your contract, you probably read that clause and thought: "What do I care? I came here to work, to evolve, to climb as high as I can. I'm not here to find Mr. or Ms. Perfect."

You signed. And then the universe conspired to prove you wrong.

Cupid found you unexpectedly—where else?—in your workplace. All those prohibitions you read about in your contract suddenly take on flesh and blood, in the face of the charming colleague who's captured your attention.

If this sounds familiar, you're in good company. Did you know that over 60% of adults have participated in at least one workplace romance? A LiveCareer poll found that 75% of employees have had a romantic relationship with someone they work with. This isn't a rare phenomenon—it's practically the norm.

Why Workplace Romance Is So Common

The truth is that love affairs in the workplace are inevitable. When you think about it, the conditions are perfect for connection: daily contact, shared experiences, common interests, endless hours in the same space. You're navigating stressful situations together, celebrating successes together, and discovering you share values and perspectives.

With a foundation of familiarity and trust, it's only natural that some people start wondering: Could this be something more?

And ironically, sometimes the prohibition itself makes it more tempting. There's something about being told you can't do something that makes it all the more appealing. Psychology 101.

The statistics tell a compelling story: 79% of workplace romances are between peers at the same level, 18% involve dating a superior, and 10% involve dating a subordinate. Relationships often begin through social interactions—corporate parties, happy hours, team outings—or simply through the daily proximity of working together.

When Love Improves Everything (Including Your Work)

When you're in love, everything looks different. Your psychology improves, you feel genuinely happy, your perspective shifts. And yes, the work sector benefits too.

Suddenly, your stamina increases, the annoying colleague doesn't bother you as much, and your performance improves. Something has changed for the better, especially when your other half is just two offices away. A look, a smile can make you forget every difficulty in seconds—it recharges your batteries and gives you another two or three hours of energy.

Research from SHRM confirms this. Among workers currently in a workplace romance, the majority report positive impacts on their professional lives: 85% say it improves their overall mood at work, 83% report increased motivation, 83% feel a stronger sense of belonging, and 81% feel more committed to their organization.

Perhaps most tellingly: 74% of people who've been in a workplace romance say it was worth it, and only 5% regret it. Those are pretty good odds.

The Complications Nobody Warns You About

The problem that arises is that contract you signed—or preferably, both of you signed. Will you keep it a secret? And if so, for how long?

The proverb "the walls have ears" is particularly relevant here. A look, a nod, a smile is capable of raising suspicions. As the old saying goes, love and coughing cannot be hidden. On the other hand, you'll need to go to restaurants, movies, or even just walk together—and it's that moment, the wrong moment in the wrong place, when you run into that gossipy colleague who won't miss the opportunity to spread the news the very next morning.

The statistics reflect this tension: 85% of people who've had an office romance kept it secret. Only 18% disclose their relationship to their employer. We're hiding, but we're also worried about being found out.

And there are real concerns behind the secrecy. Research shows that coworkers trust people in workplace romances less than those people realize. Colleagues may wonder: Can I trust one partner with information the other doesn't need to know? Does one partner have unfair access to opportunities because of the relationship? 50% of employees believe workplace romances lead to favoritism.

Real Life Isn't a Romantic Comedy

The ideal ending comes from some romantic comedy dealing with this very topic: One or both of you quit your jobs, you live undisturbed and unbound by prohibitions, happily ever after. Roll credits.

Unfortunately—or fortunately—real life is entirely different from a movie script.

In real life, there are basic needs covered by your job, starting with the need for livelihood. Maybe this position represents years of education and hard work. On the other hand, maybe this relationship is exactly what you've been looking for—the partner you've dreamed of finding.

The dilemma between personal fulfillment and professional stability is genuinely difficult. But consider this: 43% of people who've had workplace romances ended up marrying their coworker. About 22% of married couples in the U.S. met at work. These relationships can lead somewhere real.

Of course, the flip side exists too: 8% of workers have left a job because of a relationship gone bad. 24% have faced office rumors or gossip due to a workplace relationship. The risks are real—but so are the rewards.

When Things Get Complicated: Power Dynamics

Not all workplace romances carry the same level of risk. Dating a peer in a different department is very different from dating your manager—or your direct report.

If your love interest is a supervisor or subordinate, things get significantly more complicated. Most companies have strict policies against relationships between managers and direct reports for good reason. The conflict of interest is obvious: questions about favoritism, fairness in reviews and evaluations, and power imbalances can create real problems—both for the couple and for the team around them.

Interestingly, data shows that 50% of workplace romances that began after the pandemic were with a superior, and 46% were with a subordinate. These relationships happen despite the complications—but they require extra care and often difficult conversations about what happens next.

55% of workers feel that dating someone in a different department is less risky than dating a coworker in the same department—and they're right. Distance creates space for professionalism.

The "Work Spouse" Gray Area

There's another phenomenon worth mentioning: the "work spouse." Research shows that 34% of workers have a work spouse—a coworker with whom they share a close, intimate (but platonic) relationship.

Here's where it gets complicated: 43% of people with a work spouse actually have romantic feelings for them. And 45% feel like they have to hide this relationship from their actual significant other.

If you find yourself in this situation, it's worth being honest with yourself about what's happening. A work spouse relationship that involves hidden feelings and concealment from your partner isn't really "just friendship"—it's an emotional gray area that deserves clarity.

How to Actually Make a Workplace Romance Work

If you're convinced that this relationship is worth pursuing, here's how to navigate it thoughtfully:

Think Clearly Before You Act

Clear your mind and assess the situation honestly. Is this a great love that's worth the potential complications? Or is it excitement that might pass? If you're convinced you want to continue, start thinking practically about your options. If your love interest is your supervisor or subordinate, the stakes are higher—think carefully before making spontaneous decisions.

Make Decisions Together

Discuss your concerns with your partner and find solutions that work for both of you. Unilateral decisions aren't appropriate here—you're both in the relationship, and you're both affected by potential consequences at work. Don't assume your partner isn't stressed about this; don't let them carry the worry alone while you coast along carefree.

Keep It Professional at Work

If you're in the same department, this is especially important. Find ways to maintain professional distance during work hours. Come up with a clear game plan for how you'll be exceptionally professional at the office. No PDA, no special treatment, no sneaking off together. Your coworkers are watching—and they'll notice if you act like a couple.

Consider Disclosure

Research suggests that people react more favorably to workplace romances when they hear about them directly rather than through the rumor mill. When you're ready, be proactive about sharing your news. Many companies appreciate—and some require—disclosure to HR, especially if you work in the same department or if one of you manages the other.

Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario

It's not romantic to discuss, but you need to talk about what happens if things don't work out. How will you handle a breakup when you still have to see each other every day? Having this conversation early—when you still like each other—makes it easier than waiting until emotions are running high.

Know When It's Time for Bigger Decisions

If your relationship is working out and becoming serious, you may need to have some difficult conversations. Does one of you need to transfer departments? Should one of you look for opportunities elsewhere? These aren't easy decisions, but they may be necessary for the relationship to thrive long-term without professional conflict.

Matters of the Heart

We are humans, and we're not programmed to behave according to contracts—especially in matters of the heart. After all, nobody can dictate what we feel or who we fall for.

The reality is that 76% of workers say there's nothing wrong with dating a colleague, and 64% don't think companies should prohibit workplace romances. Most people believe that companies should provide guidelines rather than outright bans (78% agree with this approach).

If your workplace romance is worth it, time will tell. Navigate it with honesty, professionalism, and respect—for your partner, your colleagues, and yourself. Love that's built on a foundation of integrity has the best chance of lasting, whether it started in a coffee shop, on a dating app, or two cubicles down from your desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to date a coworker?

For most people, yes—76% of workers say there's nothing wrong with dating a colleague, and 74% who've been in workplace romances say it was worth it. The key is maintaining professionalism and following your company's policies.

How common is workplace romance?

Very common. Over 60% of adults have had at least one workplace romance, and about 22% of married couples in the U.S. met at work. It's a natural result of spending significant time with people who share your interests and experiences.

Should I tell HR about my workplace relationship?

Check your company policy first. Only 18% of employees disclose romances to their employer, but disclosure is often required for relationships involving supervisors and subordinates. Research shows people react more favorably when they hear about relationships directly rather than through gossip.

What if my coworker is my supervisor?

This is more complicated. Most companies have strict policies against manager-subordinate relationships due to power imbalances and conflict of interest concerns. You may need to disclose immediately or consider whether one of you should transfer departments.

Do workplace romances lead to marriage?

Surprisingly often. Studies show that 43% of workplace romances lead to marriage, and about 22% of married couples in the U.S. met at work. While not every office relationship becomes permanent, many do develop into lasting partnerships.

How do I keep a workplace romance professional?

Maintain clear boundaries at work: no PDA, no special treatment, no obvious couple behavior during work hours. If you're in the same department, be especially careful to distance yourselves professionally. Save relationship conversations and affection for outside the office.

What happens if a workplace relationship ends badly?

About 8% of workers have left a job due to a relationship gone wrong. To minimize risk, discuss how you'd handle a breakup early in the relationship, maintain professionalism if things end, and consider whether a department transfer might be necessary for both people to continue working comfortably.