CEO Affair Sparks Conversation: Survey Finds Generational Split on Office Romances in Singapore

New Milieu Insight survey reveals findings across generations on workplace relationships and leadership accountability after the CEO affair incident.

29 JULY, SINGAPORE - The recent Coldplay concert video showing former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his HR chief caught in an intimate moment may have been viewed by over 100 million people but it has also reignited the debate over workplace romances. A newly released survey from Milieu Insight, a global market research and data analytics company, reveals how employees in Singapore across generations feel about relationships in the office, power dynamics, and corporate accountability.

The fieldwork was conducted online from 23 till 25 July with a sample size of 500 Singaporeans aged 16 and above. The margin of error is 4%+/- percentage points.

Awareness of the incident shows sharp generation divide

While the Coldplay concert video involving the former Astronomer CEO and his HR chief made headlines globally, awareness of the incident varied sharply across age groups in Singapore. 

Over 70% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents were aware of the video, with most hearing about it from social media. In comparison, only 36% of baby boomers were aware of it, primarily through news outlets. Despite the professional implications, 39% of all respondents described the video as “entertaining.”

Interestingly, 66% of respondents said the relationship appeared to be one that was “meant to be hidden,” and 56% felt the CEO’s attempt to conceal it was what ultimately drew the most public backlash.

Millennials are open to workplace romance, if it’s handled right

While 23% of Millennials met their partners through dating apps — the highest across all age groups — many still found love at work or school. They’re generally supportive of workplace relationships, so long as they’re properly disclosed and managed with professionalism.

Now stepping into managerial roles, Singapore Millennials are uniquely positioned. They understand the nuances of modern relationships (from dating apps to office dynamics) and recognise the importance of setting clear boundaries at work. 

As they’re often shaped by both digital culture and Singapore’s fast-moving corporate environment, they’re influencing workplace norms from the middle: bridging Gen Z’s call for transparency and Gen X’s more traditional approach.

Their growing presence in leadership means organisations in Singapore must take their perspectives into account; not just to stay compliant, but to build more thoughtful, practical policies that reflect how people actually work, connect and relate today.

Gen X & baby boomers more likely to form workplace relationships raising concerns about power imbalances

Workplace relationships were most common among older generations with 30% of Gen X and 38% of baby boomers in Singapore saying they met their current or most recent partner at work, well above the average across all age groups. 

As many in these generations now hold senior positions, their relationships often involve an added layer of complexity due to workplace hierarchies.

This concentration of romantic relationships at the top raises concerns about potential power imbalances, favouritism and blurred boundaries. What may have been considered acceptable in the past is now being reassessed by younger employees, who expect greater transparency and safeguards in how such situations are handled.

Without adapting to these shifting expectations, senior leaders risk reinforcing outdated norms, overlooking HR risks, and eroding trust within their organisations in Singapore.

Younger generations have stricter standards for office romance‍

When asked about the appropriateness of workplace relationships, different generations viewed things differently. 64% of Gen Zs, 57% of Millennials and 46% of Gen X think workplace relationships are appropriate only if disclosed to HR and professional boundaries are respected.

But 38% of baby boomers say workplace relationships can be appropriate regardless of context. 

The survey also revealed that 44% of Singaporeans find senior-on-senior relationships acceptable if disclosed to HR and managed with professionalism. However, 1 in 4 acknowledge that power imbalances can still exist, even at senior levels.

50% of Singaporeans are OK working with their partners within professional limits

Despite mixed views on appropriateness, 50% of Singaporeans say they could imagine working with their partner, as long as clear boundaries are maintained. Still, 40% admitted that such a relationship would likely blur the lines between personal and professional life, while 37% feared it would test their patience or boundaries.

When it comes to leadership accountability, the message is clear across all generations:
63% agree that there are two valid reasons to dismiss a leader: breach of company policy and inappropriate personal behavior. 

Still, 54% of respondents say incidents like these create gossip or uncertainty among staff.

"These findings highlight how workplace culture is evolving — especially in the eyes of younger employees. Gen Z and Millennials expect workplace relationships to be handled with transparency and professionalism,” says Juda Kanaprach at Milieu Insight. “For them, it’s not about banning relationships entirely, but about ensuring they’re disclosed to HR and managed with clear boundaries. Workplace romance isn’t inherently wrong but when left unmanaged, especially across power dynamics, it raises red flags about favoritism, fairness, and accountability. Today, it’s not just about whether relationships happen, it’s about how responsibly they’re governed. Overlooking this can erode trust from within."

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About Milieu Insight

Milieu Insight is a global market research and data analytics company, headquartered in Singapore, dedicated to helping brands and businesses build consumer engagement ecosystems that deliver agile and actionable business insights. The company has garnered accolades such as Campaign Asia's Tech MVP and Market Research Agency of the Year (GOLD) and is renowned for its award-winning research expertise. At the core of its offerings is its powerful survey and data analytics software platform, Canvas, which provides intuitive tools for survey design and distribution, data analysis, visualisation, and reporting business insights across various topics and sectors - This empowers businesses to make informed, impactful decisions and develop effective strategies.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.mili.eu/sg.