Prevalence of Coworker Relationships
Hooking up with co-workers happens more often than you probably think. According to a survey, 45 percent of people reported having dated a co-worker at least once. It happens even more around certain times of year. Yet, co-worker relationships can wreak havoc professionally and personally, so caution is advised.
Over 30% who dated a coworker ended up marrying them. Clues of an office romance include suspects routinely leaving and returning together. Fantasizing about attractive coworkers is also very common, especially among men. But rumors, even false ones, can have devastating repercussions. If anyone finds out, things can get uncomfortable. Affairs are almost always discovered eventually.
The Risks and Decisions
Despite being aware of the pros and cons, office flings and affairs are still common. Ultimately, most couples face a choice – end the marriage or decide to stay together. What happens next depends on the couple.
Personal Perspectives
People perceive that sleeping with coworkers is less common than it actually is. In reality, over 50 percent of people reported having slept with someone they worked with.
A recent study found that 50% of people reported having a crush on a colleague. In addition, 19% acknowledged having an affair, despite being in a relationship.
Between 40 and 52 percent of people have had a sexual relationship with a colleague. Depending on the survey, between 38 and 59 percent of people have gotten involved with a coworker. It’s estimated that 18% of employees reported having had a random hookup with a coworker. Consent is the obvious issue with random hookups.
There are happy marriages and otherwise harmless flings that began as yearning stares across the boardroom table.
I didn’t sleep with coworkers but I made out with a couple. I realized pretty quickly that I didn’t want to deal with that awkwardness. Even married for 25 years, there is no way I’d want to work with my husband for very long.