Office romances

Office romances – navigating love in the workplace

Romantic relationships are a natural part of life and given how much time we spend at work, it’s not uncommon for workplace romances to blossom. But while office relationships can be genuine and respectful, they also come with unique challenges and risks, especially from an HR and organisational standpoint.

So how should companies handle romance in the workplace?

The risks & realities

While some office romances end happily and we are not talking about the ‘Coldplay couple’ here, others can lead to:

• Conflicts of interest – especially if one partner supervises the other.   

• Accusations of favouritism or bias – even perceived favouritism can damage team morale.

• Workplace gossip – private matters can quickly become public.

• Legal risks – If a relationship ends badly, it may lead to harassment complaints or a hostile work environment.

• Impact on productivity – emotional dynamics can sometimes spill into work life.

HR policies on office romance

It is not necessary to have a policy for this, however it would be recommended to address any indiscretions post-haste and informing them:

·        their relationships must not influence their conduct at work e.g. no kissing, cuddling, holding hands, or having discussions of a sexual nature (whether verbal or by email)

·        no preferential/favourable treatment should be given to the person they are in a relationship with nor should less favourable treatment be given if the relationship ends.

Also, relationships with subordinates can be fraught with problems so clear boundaries between work and personal life are required. Whilst workplace romances are not against the law, certain behaviours could cross an ethical  

When it works

Not all office romances end in drama many lead to long-term relationships, even marriage. The key is mutual respect, discretion, and professionalism. When managed well, relationships don’t have to harm the workplace they can coexist with a healthy, respectful culture.

HR isn't here to play Cupid or to police love lives. Our goal is to ensure fairness, protect employee well-being, and uphold workplace integrity. By setting clear expectations and fostering open communication, we can help navigate the fine line between personal connection and professional responsibility.

If you have concerns as a business owner, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to support a respectful and inclusive work environment for all.