Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Monster.
New Monster research shows that even in an era of remote work, Slack messages, and heightened professionalism, the workplace remains a deeply human environment.
More than half of U.S. workers say they’ve had a crush at work, and 1 in 3 has been involved in a workplace romance. But romance is only one part of a much larger story.
The data reveals that connection, trust, appreciation, and especially manager behavior have a far greater impact on how employees experience work, and whether they stay, than office flirtation ever could.
To explore how relationships shape modern work, Monster surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. employees across industries, generations, and job types.
The findings show a workforce that still values closeness and chemistry, but with clearer boundaries, higher expectations for respect, and zero tolerance for poor management.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Workplace attraction is widespread: 53% say they’ve had a crush on a coworker or manager
- Office relationships aren’t rare: 33% have been in a romantic relationship at work
- Connection still matters: 65% feel at least somewhat close to their coworkers
- Managers shape retention: 55% have stayed longer because of a great manager
- Bad management drives exits: 56% have left a job primarily due to a bad manager
- Boundaries dominate: 48% prioritize professionalism while still building friendships
Together, the findings suggest that while romance still happens, the strongest emotional forces at work are trust, appreciation, and leadership quality.
Office Crushes Still Happen, Even If People Don’t Act on Them
Despite changing workplace norms, attraction at work hasn’t disappeared.
- 40% say they’ve had a crush on a coworker
- 13% admit to having a crush on a manager
- 27% have been in a romantic relationship with a coworker
- 6% have been in a relationship with a manager
While fewer employees pursue relationships with power dynamics involved, the data confirms that work remains a place where people form emotional connections. Spending long hours together, collaborating under pressure, and sharing wins and challenges naturally creates chemistry.
What’s different in 2026 is intention. Many workers acknowledge attraction without crossing professional lines.
Workplace Chemistry: Friendly, Connected, but Measured
Most employees still value social connection at work, but not everyone wants deep personal ties.
- 65% feel at least somewhat close to their coworkers
- 35% describe workplace relationships as distant
- 41% socialize with coworkers outside of work
- 23% never interact with coworkers after hours
The modern workplace isn’t uniformly social or isolating. Instead, it reflects a wide spectrum of comfort levels. Some employees build friendships that extend beyond work, while others prefer to keep relationships focused on collaboration and professionalism.
What matters most is choice.
Boundaries Are the New Love Language at Work
Today’s workers want connection, but on their own terms.
- 48% say they keep boundaries while still building friendships
- 23% are comfortable mixing personal and professional relationships
- 29% prefer clear separation or avoid workplace relationships altogether
This balance reflects a cultural shift. Employees aren’t rejecting relationships at work; they’re prioritizing psychological safety, respect, and consent. Clear boundaries are no longer seen as cold or disengaged. They’re viewed as healthy.
Appreciation Is the Real Workplace Romance
When asked how they want to feel valued at work, employees didn’t point to grand gestures or public praise.
They pointed to consistency and substance:
- 57% prefer bonuses, perks, or tangible rewards
- 53% value verbal praise or positive feedback
- 34% want more flexibility or time off
- 26% appreciate practical support with workload
Recognition, flexibility, and support matter far more than performative appreciation. Workers want to feel seen, supported, and fairly rewarded, not celebrated once and ignored later.
Managers Matter More Than Any Office Crush
The strongest emotional relationships at work aren’t romantic; they’re managerial.
- 55% have stayed longer than planned because of a great manager
- 56% have left a job primarily because of a bad manager
- 86% trust their manager at least somewhat to act in their best interest
- 78% say communication with their manager is open most of the time
But the data also reveals how damaging poor management can be:
- 44% have been yelled at by a manager
- 42% have experienced inappropriate language
- 28% say a manager has made them cry or feel humiliated
These experiences linger. How managers communicate, set boundaries, and show respect often defines an employee’s entire relationship with work.
Love at Work Looks Different Now
Monster’s findings show that workplace “love” in 2026 isn’t primarily about romance.
It’s about trust. It’s about feeling appreciated. It’s about managers who communicate with respect and act with integrity.
Whether it’s a supportive boss, a trusted coworker, or simply feeling recognized for effort, emotional connection continues to shape engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
Work may be professional, but it’s still personal.
Methodology
This survey was conducted by Pollfish on Jan. 4, 2026, among more than 1,000 currently employed U.S. workers.
Respondents answered a series of multiple-choice questions exploring workplace relationships, communication, trust, appreciation, and professional boundaries.
The sample included representation across generations, with 18% Gen Z (born 1997 or later), 27% millennials (born 1981–1996), 27% Gen X (born 1965–1980), and 27% baby boomers (born 1946–1964). Respondents identified their gender as 49% male and 51% female.
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