As more companies require employees to return to the office, workplace dynamics are shifting in more ways than one—including the potential rise of office romances.

While remote work had its perks (hello, working in pajamas and avoiding awkward elevator chats), being back in the office means more in-person connections. For many singles, that means the possibility of meeting someone special beyond the endless scroll of dating apps.

Return to Office & the Search for Love

For years, remote work gave employees freedom and flexibility, but it also limited face-to-face interactions. Now, with more professionals being required to swap their home offices for corporate cubicles, the opportunities for spontaneous conversations, inside jokes, and shared lunch breaks are back in full swing. An in-person flirtation just hits differently than a late-night DM or a Slack message laced with emojis.

A recent Glassdoor Community poll found that nearly 45 percent of professionals believe workplace romance holds more promise than dating apps. With the frustration of endless swiping and disappointing first dates, it’s no surprise that people are looking for meaningful connections in spaces where they already spend a significant portion of their day.

Office Romance: The Good, the Bad & the Messy

While the idea of finding a “workplace bae” might sound exciting, office relationships come with their own set of challenges. Another Glassdoor poll revealed that over 74 percent of workers have either been in a workplace relationship or know someone who has. Some of these stories are filled with happy endings, while others serve as cautionary tales.

“Been involved in 3 office romances. 2 were total disasters, and 1—the love of my life—40 years strong and still going,” one Glassdoor user shared.

Clearly, the outcome of office romances varies widely, and while some love stories flourish, others lead to awkward team meetings and HR interventions.

Things to Consider Before Pursuing an Office Romance

If you’re considering pursuing a romance with a coworker, there are several important factors to keep in mind. First, it’s crucial to review your company’s policies on workplace relationships before making a move. Some organizations have strict rules about dating colleagues, particularly within the same department or between employees in a reporting structure. Understanding these guidelines can help you avoid potential conflicts down the line.

Beyond policy, maintaining professionalism is essential. As one Glassdoor user shared, “I’ve seen it done and end horribly, and I’ve also seen it work out well. It depends on company policy and a person’s maturity level.” If you do decide to date a coworker, be mindful that your relationship should never interfere with your work performance or create an uncomfortable environment for colleagues.

Open communication is another key to making a workplace romance successful. Dr. Erika Bocknek, a family therapist and relationship expert, emphasizes the importance of clarity and intentionality. She advises that personal conversations and flirtation should take place outside of work settings and that both individuals should be upfront about their expectations from the beginning.

Respecting boundaries is equally important. A healthy relationship, whether personal or professional, requires mutual respect, which includes knowing when to step back. If one person is not interested or if the situation starts to feel complicated, it’s important to recognize those signals and act accordingly.

Finally, be prepared for all possible outcomes. Even with the best intentions, not every office romance leads to a happy ending. Consider whether you’ll be able to maintain professionalism if the relationship doesn’t work out. Will the workplace dynamic become tense or awkward? These are crucial questions to ask before diving in. While office romances can lead to meaningful connections, they also require careful navigation to ensure that both your professional and personal lives remain balanced.

Is Remote Work Going Away in 2025?

As the U.S. heads further into 2025, the remote work landscape is evolving. While working from home once seemed like the future, many major corporations are now mandating a return to in-office work.

What Companies Are Mandating RTO

Several major corporations are revising their remote work policies.

  • Amazon: Initially adopting a hybrid model, Amazon announced in September 2024 that employees would be required to return to the office five days a week starting in early 2025.
  • Apple: Maintaining a structured hybrid approach, Apple mandates in-office work on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and a third day determined by individual teams.
  • San Francisco City Employees: In an effort to revitalize downtown and enhance city services, Mayor Daniel Lurie mandated that 10,000 hybrid-schedule city employees return to the office at least four days a week by April 28, 2025.

Federal Directives

The federal government is also shifting its stance on remote work. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed unionized employees to return to the office by mid-April 2025, signaling an end to widespread hybrid work arrangements.

Employee Perspectives and Market Dynamics

Despite these mandates, remote work remains a significant aspect of the employment landscape. A study by Robert Half indicates that fully remote job postings increased from 10 percent in Q1 2023 to 15 percent by Q4 2024, while hybrid positions grew from 9 percent to 23 percent in the same period.

However, some employees face challenges with the shift back to in-office work. For instance, individuals managing multiple remote roles may find it difficult to maintain their arrangements under stricter in-office requirements.

With RTO in full effect, many professionals are navigating new challenges and opportunities, including the potential for office romances. Whether you’re open to love in the workplace or prefer to keep things strictly professional, the return to the office is undeniably changing the way we connect.

“If you’re considering a workplace romance, be intentional, communicate openly, and always respect boundaries,” Dr. Bocknek says.

If you do decide to take the leap, may your cubicle crush turn into something more than just watercooler small talk!