Office romances are far from rare worldwide, but India stands out. According to a recent international study by Ashley Madison, conducted with YouGov across 11 countries, India ranks second in employees admitting to having had—or currently being in—a workplace romance. Only Mexico ranks higher, with 43% of respondents acknowledging office relationships compared to India’s 40%.
The research spanned 13,581 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, providing a broad global perspective on modern workplace relationships.
Love in the Office: Common but Complicated
Despite evolving workplace policies and heightened awareness around professional boundaries, office romances continue to thrive in India. Four in ten Indians say they have dated a colleague, reflecting both cultural openness and the amount of time people spend at work.
Interestingly, gender plays a significant role. Men are more likely than women to have been romantically involved with a coworker—51% compared to 36%—signalling different comfort levels or risk-taking tendencies at play. Women, on the other hand, are more cautious about professional repercussions, with 29% citing career concerns as a deterrent, slightly higher than men at 27%.
Men worry more about personal fallout, with 30% saying it prevents them from pursuing office relationships, compared to 26% of women.
Younger Workers Show Greater Caution
A notable trend emerges among younger professionals aged 18 to 24. With 34% expressing concern over potential career impacts of office romances, this group appears more cautious and career-focused than older generations. This shift may be tied to stricter HR policies, social media visibility, and changing workplace norms.
Reflecting India’s Evolving Relationship Dynamics
India’s high ranking also mirrors a broader societal shift toward non-traditional relationships. A Gleeden survey shows 35% of Indians are currently in an open relationship, while 41% would consider one if their partner suggested it. Surprisingly, these trends aren’t limited to metro cities—smaller towns are participating too. Kanchipuram leads the country in interest in extramarital affairs.
The Bottom Line
Office romances in India remain common, complex, and deeply intertwined with evolving cultural attitudes about relationships. As perspectives shift and workplaces adapt, the conversation around professional boundaries and personal choices continues to grow—much like modern relationships themselves.
