Office romances may be common worldwide, but they appear to be particularly widespread in India. A new international study by Ashley Madison, conducted in collaboration with YouGov, ranks India second among 11 countries where people most frequently admit to having had or currently being in a workplace relationship.
Mexico topped the list.
The survey covered Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, with a combined sample of 13,581 adults. According to the findings, 40% of Indian respondents reported having dated or currently dating a colleague, which is significantly higher than the figures in countries such as the US, UK, and Canada, where the rate is 30%.
In Mexico, the number is even higher at 43%.
The data suggest that workplace romances remain common in India, despite growing awareness of professional boundaries and conduct. The study also highlights a notable gender difference: 51% of men reported having dated a coworker, compared with 36% of women. Researchers say this may point to a gendered difference in willingness to take risks in professional settings, India Today reported.
Women, however, are more cautious about potential workplace consequences. Nearly 29% said they avoid office relationships due to fear of professional repercussions, compared with 27% of men. Men are more likely to be deterred by concerns over personal fallout, 30%, versus 26% of women, reported India Today.
A generational shift is also evident. Younger employees aged 18–24 are the most wary overall, with 34% expressing concern about how an office romance could affect their career.
India’s high ranking in workplace relationships aligns with increasing openness toward non-traditional partnerships, including open marriages. A separate survey by Gleeden, a dating platform targeted at people seeking extramarital connections, found that 35% of Indians are currently in an open relationship, while 41% would consider one if suggested by a partner.
Notably, this trend is not restricted to major metros; smaller towns are showing similar patterns, with Kanchipuram topping India’s list for interest in extramarital affairs.
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