It is said you should never mix business and pleasure – but that doesn’t
stop almost three-quarters of us getting involved in a workplace romance with
colleagues.
In a new poll, 71 per cent of employees admitted to dating a colleague
despite all the difficulties and potential embarrassment it can entail.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it seems many employees will be
disappearing into stationery cupboards or making eyes at each other across a
crowded office.
The workplace is becoming something of an informal dating agency, with 62
per cent of the 2,200 people questioned claiming to have met their current
partner at work.
But love’s crazy dream can quickly turn into a nightmare, with 87 per cent
saying an office romance had caused trouble in the workplace, and a quarter
admitting their indiscretion had caused problems.
The employment ‘casting couch’ has also been consigned to the past with 95
per cent of workers unwilling to have a ‘special’ relationship with the boss.
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However, employees are not the only ones who should watch out. A quick
fumble at the Christmas party or over excitement on Valentine’s Day can lead to
major headaches for employers too.
Danny Done, who commissioned the survey for law firm Peninsula, said firms
should have clear rules on relationships and staff should be made aware of the
acceptable boundaries.
