From the viral “Coldplay couple” to Elon Musk’s children with a Neuralink executive, we’re fascinated by office romances — especially when the boss is involved. They inspire gossip, spark debates about power and consent, and occasionally end in scandal. But beyond the headlines lies a serious question: What happens, economically and professionally, when a manager and a subordinate become involved?
To find out, my colleagues David Macdonald, Jerry Montonen, and I analyzed administrative data covering the entire population of Finland over 30 years. Our research revealed that starting a serious relationship with a manager at your workplace can have benefits — while it lasts. But when it ends, the costs are steep for the less powerful person in the relationship. These relationships also have a negative impact on the broader workplace environment, increasing turnover among the couple’s coworkers.
