Workers less sociable than three years ago as flexible working takes hold

Three-quarters of UK workers do not socialise with their work colleagues outside office hours.

A survey of more than 1,650 people conducted by online recruitment firm, Monster, found that 36% of respondents "never" socialised with their work mates, while four in 10 did, but only occasionally.

Nearly 20% of respondents said they fraternized with colleagues at least once a week, while 8% did so once every two weeks.

A similar poll conducted by Monster in 2004 found that a third of resondents "loved" to spend time with workmates outside of the workplace.

Monster points to flexible working, with more employees working out of the office and from home as a potential reason for the wane in socialising.

Julian Acquari, managing director of Monster UK and Ireland, said: "If you aren't based in the office, or have heavy out-of-work commitments, it is important to take the time to develop relationships with work colleagues that extend beyond the day-to-day working relationships.

"In particular, if you work in a team, time spent outside the office in a social environment will help to strengthen bonds and create a sense of team spirit. If you manage a team, it is worth taking your team out socially every so often and if you are a team member, take the initiative and suggest a team-bonding session to your manager," Acquari added.