Romantic relationships in U.S. workplaces have seen a sharp decline in recent years, according to survey data from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The proportion of employees reporting workplace attractions, dates, or casual encounters has dropped significantly between 2024 and 2025.

Only 22% of employees surveyed last year said they had experienced a crush on a co-worker, down from 49% two years earlier. Similarly, 16% reported going on a date with a colleague in the past year, a decrease from 21% in 2024. Encounters described as “risky romantic” or hookups on the job also fell from 13% in 2024 to just 7% in 2025.

These figures reflect broader generational shifts in how people meet and form relationships. A 2020 Pew Research Center survey showed that approximately 20% of adults over 50 met their spouse at work, compared with only 13% of those aged 18 to 29. Analysts attribute this change to the rise of online dating platforms and the widespread implementation of sexual harassment training in workplaces, which together create a more cautious environment around office romances.

Juno Kelly, a writer contributing to the discourse on workplace dating, suggests that younger generations may be missing out on the social bonding opportunities that office relationships historically provided. In an opinion piece, Kelly argued that the reluctance to engage in workplace romances stems from a perception that the risks now outweigh the rewards. She also noted that a significant portion of singles under 30 are either uninterested in dating or not actively seeking relationships, potentially contributing to what some describe as a "dating malaise" among younger adults.

While traditional venues for meeting partners, including church, social circles, college, and neighborhoods, have also declined in importance, online dating has become a dominant avenue. A 2017 Stanford study found that 40% of couples were meeting online, highlighting the shift away from face-to-face settings like the workplace.

Among the remaining workers who pursue romantic relationships at work, motivations vary. Over half hope to find a lasting partnership, while 40% are driven by excitement or lust. Nearly 30% see office relationships as a way to obtain career benefits such as advancement or security. Public displays of affection on the job were reported by about 20% of those involved in workplace romances.

Interestingly, most office managers surveyed perceive romances within their teams positively: 63% said such relationships have a constructive effect on workplace dynamics, while only 12% reported negative impacts. This suggests that, despite declining prevalence, office romances continue to play a nuanced role in professional environments.