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India ranks No. 2 worldwide for office romances after Mexico
A new international study by Ashley Madison, in partnership with YouGov, reveals that India has the second-highest rate of workplace romances globally.
According to the 2025 survey of 13,581 adults across 11 countries, 40 % of Indians say they have dated or are currently dating a colleague, compared with 43 % in Mexico.
Why Are Office Romances Increasing in India?
The survey points to shifting behaviour in India’s workforce. Many workers today, especially in cities, feel more open about relationships that may not fit old social rules.
Experts say this comfort level is growing fast, helped by changing family views, higher independence, and workspaces that bring people together for long hours.
Men reported office romances more often than women — 51% of men compared with 36% of women. This gap may reflect concerns about judgment, safety, or workplace fallout, which women often feel more strongly.
A reaction widely shared on social media captured this change, saying, “People are more honest now about what they want, and the workplace becomes a natural part of that.”
Younger workers, however, are more careful. Many in the 18–24 age group said they worry about how such relationships might affect their career path or how coworkers may view them. This shows that while openness is rising, caution remains strong among new entrants in the job market.
How Office Romances Are Shaping Today’s Work Culture in India
The study also highlights that younger employees tend to be more careful. Many workers aged 18-24 said they worry about how a relationship at work could affect their growth or reputation. This group prefers to draw clear lines between work and personal life.
Still, India’s numbers remain far higher than several Western countries. This shows that close daily contact, long work hours, and growing openness about personal relationships are influencing modern office culture.
Employers, meanwhile, are now expected to maintain clear policies on workplace conduct. While many understand that relationships at work are common, companies also want to avoid conflicts, power imbalance, or any issue that may affect team morale.