London - A quarter of office romances lead to marriage, a study says.
Two out of five of the 1,000 managers and workers surveyed had had a workplace relationship, usually starting in the office or at a social event. In 27 per cent of cases they married the colleague.
Two thirds of managers did not object to workplace relationships as long as they did not impact on employees’ work. Despite this, one in three of those who dated a colleague kept it secret.
Charles Elvin, chief executive of the Institute of Leadership & Management, which conducted the study, said: ‘Our survey shows that workplace romances are inevitable and not as destructive to careers as people may fear.
‘Employers may want to think twice before vetoing love at work, or they risk forcing staff to hide their relationships, creating a culture of secrecy and deceit.’
'The key is how employers handle workplace relationships; if organisations and their managers set clear guidance or policies with boundaries, then certain situations can be prevented.
'It will also help if policies are communicated down from various members as sometimes the boss is the last to know.'
Around two out of five of the managers and workers surveyed said they have had a workplace fling, usually starting in the office or at a social event, leading to marriage in 27 per cent of cases.
Daily Mail