In amongst press releases for new compressors or tyre sealants received in the Service Dealer in-box was this study that claims that work-place romances are costing British Businesses £2.5 billion a year.

The survey conducted in October 2012, asked business owners and employees to answer questions relating to the effect of Work-based Romances on businesses. It had some startling results, of the individuals questioned 75% admitted to thinking about engaging in an office romance and 54% already had, with a shocking 27% having done it on more than one occasion. 84% of individuals stated that it would affect their productivity within the workplace, costing their companies thousands. In fact in the last 12 months, the average cost to each business surveyed from issues relating to office romances was over £65,000.

So the total cost to the UK companies in excess of £2.5 billion. However, some businesses are still failing to recognise the full magnitude of the problem. Although it would seem too drastic an action for many UK employers to introduce a morality clause within an employment contract. Some large US companies have had them for some time such as Disney who recently spent £2.5 Billion on Lucas Films, some of which probably came from money saved by having a morality clause.

A spokeman for the company who commissioned the report said “£2.5 Billion is an insane amount of money for companies to be spending or losing due to office-based romances, whilst most UK businesses don't have contractual rules against employees fraternising, over 50% of the businesses surveyed acknowledged the financial implications as they would actively recommend using a dating site to find romance rather than having their staff seek it out in the workplace.”

Time for bromide to be re-introduced into the tea machine . . ?

PS: The sudy was done by a website that facilitates ‘Illicit Encounters’ but we decline to provide the web link!