Vault Office Romance Survey2013

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Have You Ever…

44%

56%

No

Yes

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44%

21% 21%17%

11%

3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%No, I've never participated in an office romance

Yes, a random office hookup

Yes, ongoing but casual relationship

Yes, a long-term, serious relationship

Yes, I met my spouse/partner at work

Yes, other

…participated in an office romance?

A majority of respondents stated they have engaged in an intra-office romance, with the most common being "random hookups" and "casual relationships."

Dodged That Bullet!

62%

38% No

Yes

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Have you ever avoided a potential romance that you would have otherwise pursued, specifically to avoid an

"office romance"?

Despite that majority, nearly 40% of respondents said that they have also consciously taken action to avoid an office romance.

“Too many risks; as a woman to be taken seriously you cannot do this at all, even if it is mutual. Otherwise your perception amongst other women is no better than that of a husband-stealer, never mind the men's viewpoint on it—it's a no-win situation.”

65%4%

27%

Does the shaky economy make you more or less willing to take romantic risks at work?

No effect More willing Less willing

Although most participants say they are adamant in their position on hooking up at work, 27% say the bad economy has dampened their inclination to do so.

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Can’t Buy Me Love

We’re Just Good Friends

69%

31%

Do you have an office "husband" or "wife"? This is someone with whom you do not have a romantic relationship, but you hang out together all of the time (on breaks, at lunch, etc.).

No Yes

“I know this guy is happily married, but we enjoy each other's sense of humor and since we are both older and wiser, we are better able to handle a strong friendship without the complication of a romance. It is fun to flirt, but nothing more. And it is good on the ego!”

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While the majority of participants answered negatively, more women than men reported having an "office spouse.”

Do Not Disturb

5%

35%

Been caught in

the middle of a tryst in the office

Had a tryst in the office

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Have you ever…* Respondents who have engaged in an office romance

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According to participants, hook-ups in the office itself aren't unheard of, but aren't entirely commonplace either. Being caught in the midst of one, however, occurs more frequently in movies and television than it does in the real world.

“Got caught in my boss' office after breaking a couple of pictures and knocking over a chair.”

They’re Just Jealous…

“Nobody knew about it (I think)”

“Management is aware and we are assigned to different teams.”

“We both had previous relationships with people at work--it was awkward.”

“He doesn't work directly on my team, but we have many mutual office friends. If anything, people are very supportive of our relationship.”

76%

24%

If you participated in an office romance, did it impact your personal or professional relationships with other coworkers?

No

Yes

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TMI?

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29%

35%

71%

65%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Felt uncomfortable because of co-workers' intra-office romantic relationships

Felt that a co-worker gained a professional advantage because of a romantic relationship

with a co-worker/superior

Have you ever …

Yes

NoThe majority of respondents generally adopt an “it's none of my business” attitude when it comes to their co-workers' office love lives, though some still take notice when these relationships seem to help advance careers.

“No one sleeps together. But they flirt like crazy, and that totally affects who gets special treatment. Integral to the office culture.”

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53%

42%

47%

58%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Known a married co-worker to have an affair at the office

Known a married or seriously involved co-worker who had a romantic liaison while on a

business trip for the company

Have you ever ...

Yes

No

Forbidden Love: Married Affairs

More than half of respondents say they know about married co-workers' affairs.

“There are all kinds of hook-ups, especially on business trips. I do think that those individuals who hook up with co-workers also engage in extramarital affairs outside of the office too (I don't think the office environment is what drives their affairs).

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0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35% Co-workers in different office locations

Co-workers in different departments

Co-workers at the same level

Co-workers in the same office location

People at different companies who interact

Co-workers who work on projects together

Co-workers in the same department

Co-workers at different levels

None; all office romances are acceptable

Office romances are never acceptable

Other

When It’s Not Cool:

Survey respondents are less comfortable with romances between co-workers who work closely together.

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64%

36%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Yes No

Based on your experience, would you participate in an office romance again?

71%

29%

57%

43%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Yes No

Do it Again? By Gender

Men

Women

While the majority of respondents are open to pursuing an office romance in the future, women are more likely than men to opt out next time around.

Encore—Do You Want More?

“It is not worth the risks involved—office jealousy, rivalry and potential harassment and legal issues. There are lots of fish in the sea, so why fish at your company's pond?”