Research: Nearly half of employers frown on workplace romance

Romance can bring joy, spice and warmth to any workplace, but certain sparks can ignite fiery PR fiascos.

New research from Reboot Digital Marketing finds that 46% of employers would much prefer that you pursue love interests outside the office—especially if you hold a position of power.

As illustrated by McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook’s ouster—who lost his job (but not $70 million worth of stock options) due to a “consensual relationship with a subordinate”— managers, bosses and execs should be especially wary of pursuing intimate relationships. However, there’s a strong trend toward discouraging office flings altogether.

As SHRM writes: “[workplace romance] creates the potential for intimidation, retaliation or sexual-harassment claims, as well as real or perceived favoritism.”