September 1, 2008
Economic uncertainty, a slump in the housing market and UK inflation hitting a 15-year high. Guru understands that tough times could well be forcing people to go that extra mile to boost their earnings -- but just how far would you go to get ahead at work?
Well, quite far, according to a new survey by the crappily named online dating firm parship.co.uk (that's PARTNERSHIP merged with RELATIONSHIP, geddit?!)
It says one in five British workers - double the number recorded in 2004 - would flirt with the boss in order to get a promotion, with men more willing than their female colleagues to use 'charm' to get ahead.
Female bosses were said to appeal to men because they were intelligent, self-confident, open-minded, honest, had good communication skills, a sense of humour, the ability to compromise, and an optimistic attitude.
Who the hell is this woman - she sounds like some imaginery workplace goddess. Guru notes there is no mention of good looks and a shapely figure as part of the criteria.
Dr Nafsika Thalassis, a preposterously titled 'singles coach' at the company, said women have learnt through "bitter experience" that using sex appeal to get ahead at work can backfire. "Women who flirt with their boss run the risk that their bluff will be called, ending up in a sticky and even embarrassing situation."
What does she mean 'sticky situation'? That conjurs up all sorts of disturbing images in Guru's mind. If anyone has seen the episode of comedy series Peep Show where the characters Mark and Dobby rendezvous in the stationery cupboard (with unexpected consequences) - they will know what Guru is driving at.
