According to a new study, Gen Z workers are less accepting than older generations of office relationships. Only half of Gen Z workers (50%) believe that meeting a partner in the workplace is socially acceptable.
The dating app happn conducted a study on over 2,000 UK adults and found that the approval rate was lowest of all generations, compared with Millennials (55%), Boomers (63%), and Gen X (64%)
Gen Z is divided on workplace relationships. A third of Gen Z (32%) are against them, citing concerns over professionalism, productivity, and career impact. Office romances are not popular among those who are against them. 73 percent of respondents said that they reduce productivity and are distracting, while 61 % believe that they are unprofessional. A further 60 percent believe that personal and professional life should be kept separate, and 42 percent are concerned about the impact a breakup might have on team dynamics.
Gen Z is also influenced by their career reputation. Thirty percent of Gen Z are concerned that an office romance will harm their professional image. Millennials, on the other hand, are more accepting, as 52 percent of them say they let their partners meet despite working long hours.
Workplace Romance: Still Common Among UK Workers
Although attitudes among Gen Z are changing, many UK employees still have workplace relationships. Overall, 59 per cent of UK adults think office romances are acceptable socially and 43 per cent have met their current or previous partner at work.
Some people see the benefits of dating a coworker, such as spending more time together during commutes (35%) or coordinating social events more easily (29%). Some (12%) enjoy the gossip about office romances.
In spite of this acceptance, 23 per cent of UK adults keep an office relationship secret. Most people avoid detection by acting as “just friends” before their colleagues (59%). Others take precautions like commuting separate (16%).
Some people are more daring in hiding their workplace relationships. Some people are more daring than others when it comes to hiding their workplace relationships.
Set professional boundaries at work
Claire Renier is a dating expert for happn. She noted the shift in attitudes of different generations towards office relationships.
Why hide it when work has been a place where people meet, connect and sometimes even fall in loves for so long? She said that as long as both parties maintain professionalism, there is nothing to be afraid of. It’s fascinating to see Gen Z break away from the established trends of previous generation. They are within their rights to not like workplace romances. It’s a matter personal preference.
Clear boundaries and professionalism will help employees who are open to workplace romance maintain a healthy balance in their personal and professional lives. Understanding employer policies regarding workplace relationships will help to prevent conflicts.
