Latest news with #ModernWorkplaceRomanceReport
Fast Company
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
1 in 3 U.S. workers say they've had romances with their managers
The complexities and controversies of workplace romances are well known—they're the topic of countless sitcom jokes, and we bet you can certainly recall a salty saying or two about the often ill-advised practice. And, of course, the whole topic just splashed across the headlines when two senior executives from the startup Astronomer, both married to other people, were caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert. But data from a recent survey shows that many workers, even though they're aware of the emotional and professional risks of workplace relationships, just can't seem to keep their hands off each other. Zety, a Polish online résumé company, surveyed over 1,000 U.S. workers as part of its 'Modern Workplace Romance Report,' Newsweek notes. The data on workplace romances is startling: 79% of respondents said they'd had long-term workplace romances. That's nearly eight in 10 people—take a glance around your office and see if the gossip you've heard lines up with this stat. More concerningly, since it raises numerous ethical issues, 32% of people said they'd dated a boss or superior. 86% of people in the survey also think the surge of hybrid and remote working driven by the pandemic has made it easier for work-based romances to happen — possibly because there's less risk of being seen by co-workers if you're simply not in the office. And 94% of respondents also said emojis and GIF files were a boon for workplace flirting, while 79% said they'd bungled sending flirty contacts by sending them to the wrong person. Perhaps the most obvious statistic in the Zety survey is nonetheless interesting simply because of the giant figure involved: 91% of U.S. workers said they'd used flirting or charm to boost their position at work. That's over nine in 10 people, most likely including folks in your office. Newsweek also quotes data from a different survey, from anonymous workplace chat app Blind, that found that among over 8,000 American respondents, human resources staff were the group most likely to have had workplace romances. That's a curious piece of data, especially in context of a 2018 report that surveyed 150 HR executives, finding that one-third of office romances end with someone being fired. Zety's data doesn't necessarily imply that workplace romances are illicit affairs of the caught-on-Coldplay-kiss-cam kind, of course, and neither does Blind's data. But some of the statistics should worry leaders of almost any company. Conscious of the emotional disruption that workplace romances can cause, to say nothing of the legal complexities that may arise if a manager is accused of favoritism because they're romantically involved with a subordinate, many workplaces have strict policies on the issue. But, as the saying goes, 'love will find a way,' and Zety's data shows that despite employers commonly banning or restricting workplace relationships, people just keep having them. Newsweek notes that an earlier survey by Resume Genius found 72% of people who've had workplace romances don't inform management or HR about them — despite the Blind data on the romantic risks confessed by HR employees. Many experts have penned pieces advising on the thorny matter of office romances (many with a simple 'don't do it!' slant). But why should you care about this? The Coldplay concert drama again turned a spotlight onto the issue of work relationships, which means it might be a good time to refresh your company's policies, and maybe even reissue them to your staff so they're aware of whether relationships are permitted, or if they should notify managers of a relationship and so on. But you may also not want to overreact: Some other recent data shows that fewer people are having work romances now than in previous decades—possibly echoing other research that shows the traditional 'workplace bestie' is also a fading phenomenon. — By Kit Eaton
Newsweek
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Third of US Employees Have Had Workplace Romance With Manager: Study
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. What should have been a feel-good moment at a Coldplay concert this week turned into a viral spectacle after a "kiss cam" focused on a couple of canoodling-turned-panicked concertgoers. They were later revealed as a CEO and his company's head of human resources. But it appears they are not alone in having an office romance. A study found that 79 percent of American workers said they've had a long-term workplace romance—with around a third being involved with their supervisor or boss. Why It Matters The frequency of supervisor-employee relationships raises critical questions for workplace fairness, company culture and human resources. Recent viral incidents, including the widely shared footage of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot embracing at a Coldplay concert, have magnified public scrutiny of office romances—especially when they involve power dynamics. The "kiss-cam" incident highlighted the reputational risks for companies and employees when private moments become public fodder. What To Know The "Modern Workplace Romance Report" from Zety surveyed over 1,000 U.S. employees and found that 32 percent reported they had dated a boss or supervisor. Another 91 percent admitted to using flirting or charm to advance their career or gain professional favoritism. Meanwhile, a "Workplace Romance in America" report from Blind determined the personnel most likely to have a workplace romance. The survey of 8,784 employees found that human resources staff were the most likely to date at work, with 42 percent saying they had dated a coworker, followed by marketing and communication department staff at 39 percent and sales at 36 percent. CEOs were not among the top three. Andy Byron embracing Kristin Cabot before they realized they were being publicized on the kissing cam. Andy Byron embracing Kristin Cabot before they realized they were being publicized on the kissing cam. Grace Springer via Storyful/Grace Springer via Storyful The Zety study found that 86 percent of workers also believed remote work has made it easier to foster romantic connections at work. A majority of U.S. staff, 94 percent, believe emojis and GIFs help facilitate digital workplace flirting but they could be a double-edged sword, as 79 percent reported they had accidentally sent flirtatious messages to the wrong recipient. Despite the prevalence of romances, most employees now operate under explicit policies for workplace relationships with nearly all workers, 94 percent, saying their companies have such guidelines. However, the report also highlighted that policies do not always guarantee disclosure. A separate survey by Resume Genius earlier this year found that 72 percent of employees do not inform HR or management about workplace romances, even as 38 percent worry about the fallout if such relationships end. Who People Are Saying Toni Frana, career services manager at Zety, told Forbes magazine Friday, "Power imbalances can be more discreet in remote settings, increasing risks of favoritism and ethical issues. Transparency in relationships is crucial as inappropriate perks and favoritism can erode morale and breed distrust." Astronomer said in a statement Friday, "Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly." What Happens Next As remote work persists and digital communications become central to office life, employers must navigate the increasingly complex landscape of workplace relationships. Experts recommend ongoing education, transparent company policies, and a clear process for reporting and managing romances, especially those involving hierarchical power differences. Neither Byron nor Cabot have responded publicly to the incident. Whether they do so remains to be seen.
