Most people spend more time with their coworkers than they do with their own families, so it’s no surprise that workplace crushes happen. In fact, 77% of Americans have felt attraction toward a coworker at some point, and men report even higher rates at 81% compared to women at 72%. The numbers don’t lie—workplace romance is common, whether people want to admit it or not.
Workplace romance is common—77% of Americans have felt attraction toward a coworker at some point.
So how do you know if that colleague is interested? Start with the basics. If someone’s messaging you outside office hours for non-work reasons, that’s a sign. Fifteen percent of Americans have romantically messaged a coworker after hours, and those late nights at the office create perfect opportunities for connection. Extended time together matters. Industries like food service and transportation see the highest dating rates—73% and 68% respectively—precisely because workers spend so much time together. Ask thoughtful questions to gauge whether messages are personal or just friendly team banter.
The age factor plays a role too. Younger workers, especially those 18-24, are most accepting of workplace relationships at 67% approval. Men are also 24% more likely to weigh a workplace relationship compared to 16% of women, and four in ten males admit to having a crush on a coworker versus only one-third of women.
Here’s the reality check: 42% of Americans have been romantically involved with a coworker. That’s nearly half. And 33% are currently in or have been in a professional relationship—up 6% from pre-pandemic levels. Clearly, workplace dating isn’t some rare occurrence. While many relationships are kept hidden, food service workers stand out as the exception, with 70% reporting they openly dated their coworkers.
Pay attention to the signs. Increased collaboration, mutual hobbies, long work trips, and finding excuses to spend time together all point toward interest. And if you’re wondering whether to pursue it? Ponder this: 72% of employees said they’d get involved with a coworker again if given the opportunity. Most relationships stay secret too—77% never tell their boss. In conservative corporate cultures, 86% of surveyed women reported that workplace romance was actively discouraged.
The workplace is where connections happen. Whether that’s good or bad depends on the situation, but ignoring the possibility won’t make it go away.
