Remote work fuels office romance in U.S., Zety study finds

GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — As workplaces continue to evolve with more employees working remotely, a new study from Zety reveals that virtual communication tools like emojis and GIFs are playing a pivotal role in sparking office romances. 

According to Zety’s Modern Workplace Romance Report, 86% of surveyed employees believe remote work has made it easier to form romantic connections with colleagues.

Technology bridging hearts 

The survey, which involved 1,095 U.S. workers on January 13, 2025, highlights how digital platforms are reshaping workplace interactions. 

Ninety-four percent of respondents feel that emojis and GIFs facilitate flirting in virtual workplaces, with 62% admitting they have initiated romantic or flirtatious messages via remote work platforms such as Slack, Teams, or email. Furthermore, 71% are aware of colleagues who have used dating apps to initiate workplace romances. 

Virtual meetings have become hotspots for romantic tension, with 51% of employees frequently noticing flirtatious behavior between colleagues during online gatherings.

Navigating new social dynamics 

While 86% of respondents view workplace romances as positively impacting team dynamics, 91% admit to using flirtation as a tool to advance their careers or gain favoritism. This has led to 69% of workers experiencing or observing favoritism linked to romantic relationships, raising concerns about professionalism and team morale.

The data shows that workplace relationships remain prevalent, with 79% of employees admitting to having experienced a long-term workplace romance. Despite the potential risks, 71% of employees remain open to exploring romantic interests with colleagues in the future.

“While remote work and virtual tools have undoubtedly made workplace romance more accessible, it’s important for employees and employers alike to recognize the complexities involved,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety. 

“Clear, consistent policies can help maintain professional boundaries and ensure that these relationships don’t blur the lines between personal and professional conduct, ultimately safeguarding both productivity and team morale.”