Is this the end of workplace romance?

• More than three quarters of HR decision makers think current social movements have made workplace romances less acceptable
• 78 per cent of companies have updated or reviewed their policy on romantic relationships in the workplace during the last year
• Dalliances at work are forbidden at almost one in twenty (four per cent) companies
• Don’t tell the boss – Brits hide an estimated 21 million romances

New research¹ from Direct Line Life Insurance reveals how recent social movements have changed the landscape for workplace romances. With over three quarters (78 per cent) of HR professionals stating that recent campaigns against sexual harassment in the workplace have made relationships between colleagues less acceptable. Despite this, more than half of companies (52 per cent) still do not have a formal policy on romantic relationships between colleagues, with a quarter reporting that they only have an informal policy in place (25 per cent).

According to HR directors (22 per cent), as the working environment changes it is making it more difficult for colleagues to date, with over three quarters of companies (78 per cent) having updated or reviewed their policy on workplace relationships in the last year and nearly a third (32 per cent) making changes to their policy. 

Workplace romances are forbidden at almost one in twenty (four per cent) UK companies. However, legal experts say these ‘bans’ are unlikely to be enforceable as it may breach individuals’ rights for respect of their private and family lives, as enshrined in the Human Rights Act². 

Half of Britain’s workers have been in a workplace relationship (50 per cent) and nearly a quarter (23 per cent) have had more than one dalliance with a colleague. Of those who have had a more than a platonic relationship at work 73 per cent did not inform their manager or a human resources representative, meaning that of an estimated 29 million workplace relationships, only 7.8 million have been reported, leaving 21 million ‘secret’ romances.

Table One: HR policies

Source:  Direct Line Life Insurance
 

Considering how many workers have dated a colleague, it’s not surprising that 82 per cent say it’s acceptable to be in a workplace relationship. Over half of workers (54 per cent) say they would enter into a workplace romance if the opportunity arose. In fact, across the UK almost a quarter³ (23%) of workers are married, engaged or in a relationship with somebody they previously or currently work with.

Jane Morgan, Business Manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, commented: “Current movements prompting discussions about professional relationships and conduct are long overdue and very welcome. 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 companies policy may have recently been updated.

“Regardless of how people meet their partner it is important to ensure they are protected in event the worst happens. Life insurance could contribute towards the alleviation of financial hardship in the unfortunate event of a partner’s death.

Direct Line Life Insurance offers an affordable way for families to help look after loved ones financially if someone passes away, paying out a lump sum, to help deal with every day money concerns such as household bills, childcare costs and mortgage payments.”

Susan Quilliam, Relationship Psychologist, commented: “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. 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!

 “Of course, who you have a relationship with is your decision, but tricky situations can arise. What if your workplace has strict regulations about dating? What if your relationship impacts on the office dynamic? What if HR or senior members of staff ask questions? To stay in control of the situation at work and in love you need to take care."

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Notes to Editors

1. Research conducted by PureProfile among 100 senior HR professionals between 31st May and 5th June
2. https://thrings.com/blog/illicit-affairs-legal-best-practice-for-workplace-romance/
3. Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,006 adults between 18th and 21st May 2018
    

For more information on the offering, please visit:   
 

For further information please contact:
 

Claire Jarrett
PR Manager
Direct Line Group
Tel: 01651 832 411
Email: claire.jarrett@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Katie Ormrod
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 0207 282 1023
Email: katie.ormrod@citigatedewerogerson.com
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel, pet and life insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line life insurance policies are underwritten by Legal & General, registered office: One Coleman Street, London EC2R 5AA. Legal & General Assurance Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under number 117659. You can check the FCA register at www.fca.org.uk/register or call the FCA on 0800 111 6768. Legal & General will introduce customers who select the Funeral Benefit Option to Dignity Funeral Services, who are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0800 145 5522 or visiting www.directline.com/life-cover