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Love happens in the workplace. It makes sense – coworkers spend a lot of time together, and they get very comfortable with each other. In fact, 39% of workers say they’ve dated a coworker, and 43% of workplace romances led to marriage.

Workplace romance comes with risks, though. Unwanted advances, discomfort with coworkers’ public displays of affection, or retaliation after relationships end can lead to sexual harassment claims. Others may feel that their colleagues in romantic relationships with people in higher or more influential roles will receive better treatment. The distraction can lead to loss of productivity. Relationships going sour can also lead to workplace violence.

Consider having a policy prohibiting certain relationships – not all relationships, but perhaps ones between supervisors and subordinates, those in the human resources or labor law departments, etc. You might also require employees in relationships sign “love contracts” acknowledging the relationship is consensual and they will remain professional. This can set the tone for the organization’s expectations and protect the employer from future liability if the relationship goes sour. Policies requiring employees to disclose any romantic relationship is also a good idea.

In this episode’s listener question, we’re asked about continuing to drive diversity in the unstable political climate. In the news, starting January 1, 2026, the state of Washington will require unpaid leave and safety accommodations for victims of a hate crime.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• ”2025 Workplace Romance Survey: Who’s Finding Love During the 9 to 5?”
• ”Workplace Romance Statistics: Survey Shows Employees Engage Regularly In Office Relationships”
• ”Romance in the workplace: Risks and solutions”
• ”How to Develop Policies Regarding Workplace Romances”
• ”Washington State to Require Unpaid Leave and Safety Accommodations for Victims of a Hate Crime”
• SHRM credit evaluation – the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on August 25, 2026
• JoyPowered® Patreon Page
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®

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