Office romance often ends with a breakup. This is what Avito Work shared with socialbites.ca after surveying workers about relationships in the workplace.
A notable portion of Russians, about 36 percent, say they have had a romantic involvement with a coworker at least once. Analysts note regional patterns: people in Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow show higher incidences, with 47 percent and 43 percent respectively, while Rostov-on-Don follows at 41 percent. In contrast, respondents from Samara and Krasnoyarsk report the lowest rates, around 67 percent, and Win records 62 percent. These figures illustrate how workplace romance varies by city and context, not merely by individual choice.
When asked about their stance on dating colleagues, most respondents were neutral. Yet, more people opposed than supported office romances, with 26 percent against and 18 percent in support. There is a gender split among opponents: men are more likely to resist than women, at 24 percent versus 13 percent. These attitudes reflect a cautious workplace culture where personal relationships can influence professional dynamics and perceptions of fairness.
About eight out of ten office romances end in separation. Among those who have dated a coworker, a majority—68 percent—cited personal reasons for parting ways. Only 11 percent attributed the breakup to work-related factors. Altogether, 11 percent of Russians report dating a colleague, and 12 percent say they are married to someone they met at work, underscoring how common professional connections can become lifelong relationships.
The data show a tendency for relationships to form within the same team or department, with 54 percent dating colleagues who occupy similar or equal positions. Fifteen percent began relationships with their superiors, while only 9 percent of managers pursued relationships with subordinates. Another 15 percent say they had not met a partner within their own team but were in a similar role in another department. These patterns reveal how proximity and shared professional contexts influence where romances arise.
When it comes to combining personal and professional life, a meaningful portion of the workforce is open to blending the two under certain conditions. About one-third of respondents would agree to work with a spouse if clear boundaries between private life and work duties are established. Nineteen percent feel that partnerships can strengthen shared purpose through collaboration. On the flip side, 27 percent worry that dating a coworker could jeopardize the relationship, and 23 percent insist on strict separation between personal and work life to avoid conflicts—indicative of ongoing debates over boundary management in modern workplaces.
In broader cultural trends, there have been discussions about how relationships intersect with workplace norms and celebrations, such as Valentine’s Day. Some surveys indicate a shift in attitudes toward these occasions, prompting organizations to reflect on how social rituals impact team dynamics and morale. The evolving perspective on office romance underscores the importance of clear policies, respectful conduct, and transparent communication in sustaining professional environments that respect both personal connections and organizational goals.
Across the board, these insights highlight that office romances are a multifaceted topic shaped by regional norms, workplace structure, and individual values. Companies seeking to navigate this landscape can benefit from fostering open dialogue, establishing fair guidelines, and supporting employees with resources that help maintain professionalism while honoring personal relationships. By acknowledging these realities, organizations can reduce potential friction, protect workplace harmony, and support healthy, voluntary connections that align with both personal well-being and business performance.