Shocking number of US workers have had sex with a co-worker: survey

No wonder so many people are in a rush to get back to the office.

A staggering number of US workers have hooked up with a colleague, a steamy new survey has revealed.

Adult toy brand Lovehoney polled 2,017 American adults about their love lives, with a whopping 40% of respondents admitting they’ve had sex and/or a romantic relationship with a co-worker.

Shockingly, 11% admitted that they got kinky with a colleague while they were in a relationship with someone else— and 9% of those were married.

While those stats might surprise some, Dr Jess O’Reilly says there are obvious reasons why co-workers are drawn to one another.

“Feelings of attachment can often align with and grow from comfort, shared experiences and familiarity,” she explained. “It follows that we often grow attached to those with whom we spend more time.”

“There’s also the practical side: often, we have a lot in common with coworkers in terms of age, life stage, interests,” she further stated. “It makes sense that we can experience attraction toward those with whom we work.”

Lovehoney didn’t ask the respondents whether they actually indulged in intimacy on the job, so it’s unclear just how many people are getting frisky on top of the photocopier or steamy in the storage closet.

However, the company did uncover some differences between the sexes when it came to sexy time with a colleague.

Men are more likely to embark on a sexual relationship with a colleague while dating someone else. 13% of men have had sex with a coworker while married, versus just 6% of women.

Interestingly, married workers were more likely to have a sexual relationship with a subordinate co-worker than their single counterparts.

 A third of the respondents (33%) who admitted to having sex with a colleague while married said it was with a subordinate. In contrast, just 18% of those who hooked up while single did so with someone working in a lower position than them.

“It’s possible that both parties are attracted to the inherent roles or power dynamic,” Dr. O’Reilly declared. “It’s not uncommon to be turned on by someone who leads or guides you, and the flip side is also true.

“However, it’s important to proceed with caution and be careful of power dynamics. If you’re in a position of authority, I don’t recommend you make the first move.”

While many in the workplace are wary of embarking on any kind of relationship with a colleague in the post #MeToo era, most Americans don’t see any issue with office romance. 93% of those surveyed said they think it’s fine for coworkers to date or have sex.

However, Dr. O’Reilly advises Americans to proceed with caution if they’ve got a crush on a colleague.

“Look for social opportunities to talk and develop a connection as opposed to trying to flirt in meetings or when you’re supposed to be working,” she stated. “If they’re into you, they’ll probably make time to connect with you. They’re likely to gravitate to you at social events and go out of their way to spend more time with you outside of work.”

“If you’re going to ask them out, be sure that you know how to manage rejection if the feeling isn’t mutual,” she concluded. “Be straightforward and don’t play games. If they say no, respect their boundaries and move on.”