U.S. Office Romances increasing

If you are looking for love this Valentine’s Day, it may be closer than you think. A new CareerBuilder survey finds workplace romance is very common.  “Nearly 40% of workers say they have dates a co-workers and about a third went on to marry that person.  So, you are seeing successful long term relationships blossoming out of office romances.” However, CareerBuilder’s Jennifer Grasz says that other respondents had to leave their job because the relationship soured. “I think you always have to weigh those risks and benefits when it comes to office romances, you could be finding your future spouse or your future nemesis.” Office romances were found to be most common in the leisure and hospitality industry, adds Grasz. “I think that makes sense, it is an industry that is very social in nature, where you are working at a resort or restaurant it is just more conducive to those socializing opportunities.” While the survey found that 39% of workers dated a co-worker at least once, it also found that 16% admitted to dating their boss.  This can lead to problems in the workplace, concludes Grasz. “It can cause resentment amongst other workers, where they feel that this person is going to be getting preferential treatment and I think in general it can cause morale issues.” To read the complete survey on office romance, visit www.CareerBuilder.com.