Cupid on Strike? Study Shows Fewer Workers Are Falling for Office Romance

 Fewer Americans report having a crush on a coworker, according to a new study, and that’s despite looser policies on workplace dating.

Nam Y. Huh|AP
Valentine's Day balloons are displayed at a grocery store on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Glenview, Ill.

Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? You might want to steer clear of the office. According to a new survey from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), workplace romances are on the decline, with fewer employees reporting crushes or dating colleagues compared to previous years.

The Decline of Office Romance

The survey, conducted in mid-December 2024 and released in 2025, found that only 22% of U.S. workers admitted to having a workplace crush—a significant drop from 49% just a year ago. This 27% decline in workplace crushes is mirrored by a dip in dating behaviors. While 21% of workers reported going on a date with a colleague a year ago, that number has now fallen to 16%.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president and CEO of SHRM, found these trends particularly striking. “They either don’t have a crush, and even if they did, [they’re] still not going to act on it,” he said. “That was probably the biggest surprise. This number had been on an increase because companies were loosening their policies and no longer forbidding people from dating.”

Why Are Workplace Romances Fading?

Several factors could be driving this shift:

• Remote Work: With more employees working from home or in hybrid setups, opportunities for in-person connections have dwindled.

• Changing Workplace Norms: As workplaces become more professionalized, employees may be prioritizing career goals over personal relationships.

• Increased Awareness of Boundaries: In the wake of the #MeToo movement, employees are more cautious about mixing romance and work.

The Motivations Behind Office Romances

Despite the decline, 52% of surveyed workers said they’ve either been in or are currently in a workplace romance, with equal shares describing their relationships as official or casual. When it comes to motivations:

• 53% cited love-related reasons like “companionship” and “sincere love.”

• 40% pointed to self-interested motivations like “adventure,” “lust,” and “the excitement of it.”

• 29% admitted to job-related motivations like “security,” “power,” and “career advancement.”

Taylor expressed concern about the latter group. “The nearly 30% who are doing it for job-related motivations is concerning,” he said. “It raises all sorts of red flags around people’s intentions and potential issues with office culture. We’re concerned about a culture that says you need to do this—date someone for job-related reasons—but also about the person who does it thinking it’ll help them get the next promotion. That’s troubling.”

Risky Encounters and Public Displays of Affection

The survey also explored risky romantic encounters at work. In the past year:

• 23% of workers knew someone who had a risky romantic encounter at work.

• Only 7% admitted to experiencing one themselves—down from 13% a year ago.

Additionally, 21% of workers in office romances said they engaged in public displays of affection (PDA) at work, but 44% considered such behavior inappropriate.

The Bigger Picture

“Workplace romances are an inherent part of the professional world, but they bring unique challenges,” Taylor noted. “This research underscores the need for clear policies, effective training, and an organizational culture that fosters transparency and fairness. By addressing these dynamics thoughtfully, organizations can minimize risks while respecting employees’ personal connections.”

So, if you’re single this Valentine’s Day, don’t count on finding love by the water cooler. But with the right mix of professionalism and charm, you might still spark a connection—even in the age of remote work.