Tinder, Hinge … Slack? How remote work is helping workplace romances

For many employees, love isn't just in the air this Valentine's Day — it's waiting for them in their Slack channel. 

Since the shift to remote work, 86% of employees say it has been significantly easier to form romantic connections in the workplace, according to a recent study from resume building platform Zety. In fact, 62% admit to have recently initiated a romantic or flirtatious message to a colleague via a remote work platform, and 27% have been on the receiving end.

"As a society, we've already transitioned to dating online," says Jasmine Escalera, Zety's career expert. "It's one of the ways that we're finding partners, so I think it makes sense that now that we have these online tools at work we're seeing the same kind of behavior there." 

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Those spicy Slacks are leading to long-term love: 46% say their most recent romantic partner was a colleague or teammate, and another 41% revealed their relationship was with a supervisor or manager. 

However,  organizations should still  adapt their workplace policies to address the new and potentially harmful behaviors that can result from these flirtatious interactions. 

"Technology has blurred the line between dating apps and workplace tools," Escalera says. "Before, HR was addressing dating as it pertains to two individuals in the workplace who are dating outside of work. Now, they have to be cognizant of what's happening in chat rooms that could potentially be uncomfortable." 

Seventy-nine percent of employees have accidentally sent romantic or flirtatious messages to the wrong colleague or group chat, and 91% of respondents admit they've flirted to advance their career or gain favoritism. Sixty-nine percent have actually experienced favoritism or inappropriate perks resulting from workplace relationships. While 86% of employees believe workplace romances positively impact team dynamic, unconsensual flirting or tension at the office can quickly become a larger problem and a legal liability. 

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"If you are engaging in a workplace romance, it's really important to disclose that to HR and to ask them for their advice, help and support on how best to navigate it — especially if it's a manager and subordinate relationship," Escalera says. "Relationships also don't necessarily work out, so it's not just always about favoritism; it's also important to protect all parties against things like retaliation."

Still, Escalera believes that offices will continue to be a breeding ground for romance and relationships now and in the future, regardless of where and how employees are working. She also believes that it should be accepted, if not celebrated. 

"The heart wants what it wants," she says. "If everyone is doing everything the right way, workplace romances are just such a beautiful thing that can actually help boost morale and can make people feel really good. Everybody loves a good love story."