An affair at work used to be seen as an amorous adventure that would eventually end in tears. But a study has revealed that almost six in 10 women have had a secret affair with a colleague.
Eighty-nine percent say relationships with co-workers are "not frowned on at all" and half of all women say they've met the love of their life at work.
Even having a relationship with your boss, once seen as strictly taboo, is now widely acceptable.
Nearly three-quarters of women would consider it, according to the survey on working women and relationships commissioned by the magazine, More.
It suggests bars, clubs, dinner parties and internet dating sites are being forsaken by women who face ever-increasing hours in the office.
Women, in particular, have experienced significant changes in their work pattern. Since 1992, 52 percent more are expected to do 48 hours a week.
Lisa Smosarski, editor of More, said: "Women spend so many hours at work now, it's not surprising the boardroom is replacing the bedroom.
"Work is far more pressurized than it used to be, and flirting has become a natural way to make the job more enjoyable. It's also much easier to get away with flirting behind your colleagues' backs thanks to e-mail."
The study of 2,000 women found 64 percent say they flirt with male colleagues and eight out of 10 have been attracted to someone they've worked with. Men in positions of power are prime targets: 61 percent say they're attracted to those higher-up.
The study found very few of those who have relationships with co-workers lose their jobs. Only 4 percent of those questioned were sacked over such behavior, while two-thirds said it had "no career effect on either party."
The most popular method of flirting was e-mail, followed by dalliances while on the tea run.
Overall, 70 percent think "flirting makes the workplace more interesting" and three in 10 female staff have gone the whole way and had sex at work.
Source: Daily Mail; London (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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