Workplace romances have become more taboo in wake of #MeToo, research finds

Can workplace relationships work or are they doomed to fail?

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It’s often advised not to become romantically involved with someone at work, as it could lead to a whole array of awkward situations should the relationship go sour.

And while almost a quarter of workers in the UK are in serious relationships with people that they met at work, a recent study has shown that workplace romances are becoming more taboo in the wake of sexual harassment campaigns such as the #MeToo movement.

Research conducted by Direct Line life insurance has discovered that almost 80 per cent of human resources professionals believe that office relationships have become less acceptable in recent times.

Furthermore, almost one in 20 UK companies now ban workplace romances outright.

While the notion of dating a coworker may be frowned upon in many industries, this hasn’t stopped many Brits. Around half of workers in the UK have admitted that they’ve been in a workplace relationship in the past.

On top of that, almost three quarters of those who’ve been romantically involved with colleagues have kept it a secret from their manager or the human resources department at their work.

According to the HR professionals who were questioned as part of the study, the growth of initiatives such as the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements has led to 78 per cent of companies updating or reviewing their policies on workplace relationships in the past year, with 32 per cent making changes to their policies.

Jane Morgan, business manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, explains how the conversations currently being had about the prevalence of sexual harassment has influenced people’s attitudes towards pursuing office romances.

“Current movements prompting discussions about professional relationships and conduct are long overdue and very welcome,” she says.

“With this in mind it’s important that if you’re embarking on a new romantic relationship at work you double check your company’s policy, as even if you ‘think it’s ok’ your company’s policy may have recently been updated.”

Relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam stresses the importance of understanding where to draw the line with workplace relationships.

“It’s natural that people who work together may become attracted, as you see each other every day, have mutual interests and have lots of opportunity to develop feelings for each other. But it can be challenging,” she says.

“You need to read the signs and remember that the social conventions in a bar on a Saturday night don’t translate to the workplace environment, no matter how relaxed your office culture may be!”

Journalist and broadcaster Harriet Minter believes that romantic relationships in the workplace should be banned.

“You can’t stop people from being attracted to each other, but you can say, ‘Actually, please don’t act on that behaviour in your office,’” she said on Good Morning Britain.

In Minter’s opinion, the “power disparity” between couples who work together can make relationships complicated.