More Than One-Third of Workers Have Dated a Co-Worker, Finds Annual
CareerBuilder Canada Valentine's Day Survey

    
    --Nearly One-Third End Up Marrying Co-Workers They Dated--




    
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<p><location>TORONTO</location>, <chron>Feb. 9</chron> /CNW/ -- Economy up, economy down, one thing remains the same: love is in the air at the office. More than one-third (35 per cent) of workers said they have dated a co-worker at some time during their careers, in line with 34 per cent who said the same in both 2009 and 2008. Additionally, 29 per cent said they went on to marry the person they dated at work. This is according to CareerBuilder Canada's annual office romance survey of more than 700 workers.</p>
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<p>Some workers are dating those above them on the office ladder. When it comes to dating higher ups, women were more likely than men to date someone above them in their company's hierarchy. Forty per cent of women said they have dated someone who holds a higher position in their organization; 12 per cent of men report they have done the same.</p>
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<p>"Workplace relationships are more accepted these days, with 61 per cent of workers saying they aren't keeping their romance a secret. However, it is the responsibility of the individuals to understand company policy and make sure they adhere to it," said <person>Rosemary Haefner</person>, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "Employees are working longer hours and under increased pressure, creating an environment that could cause relationships to bloom. Workers need to keep it professional under all circumstances, though, to ensure that the quality of their work is not negatively impacted."</p>
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<p>Some workplace relationships may have their beginnings in current workplace crushes. Nine per cent of workers currently work with someone who they would like to date, with more men (13 per cent) than women (4 per cent) reporting they would like to do so.</p>
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<p>Twelve per cent of workers who have dated someone reported that their relationships started when they ran into each other outside of work. Some other situations where Cupid's arrow flew between co-workers:</p>
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    --  Working late at the office
    --  Lunch
    --  Happy hour
    --  Business trip


    
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<p>Haefner offers the following tips for workers who may want to spark a workplace romance:</p>
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    --  Know your company's office relationship policy: While some companies
        are completely open to office romances, others may have stricter
        policies. Make sure both parties in the relationship are aware of
        potential rules or consequences.
    --  Beware of social media: Before you start posting pictures and status
        updates about your newfound coupledom, it may be better to inform your
        co-workers or boss in person. That way, there is less chance for
gossip
        or speculation.
    --  Always take the high road: If your relationship should end, do your
        best to maintain professionalism and not let the issues affect your
        performance on the job.


    
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<p>The survey also showed the repercussions of workplace romance, with 6 per cent of workers saying they have left a job due to an office romance.</p>
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    Survey Methodology
    
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<p>This survey was conducted online within <location>Canada</location> by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 720 employees (employed full-time; not self-employed; non-government) ages 18 and over between <chron>November 5</chron> and <chron>November 23, 2009</chron> (percentages for some questions are based on a subset of Canadian employees, based on their responses to certain questions). With a pure probability sample of 720 one could say with a 95 per cent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 3.65 percentage points, respectively. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.</p>
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    About CareerBuilder.ca
    
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<p>CareerBuilder.ca is a leading job site in <location>Canada</location>. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), the Tribune Company, The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), CareerBuilder.ca powers the career centers for more than 175 Canadian partners that reach national, local, industry and niche audiences. These include leading portals such as AOL <location>Canada</location> and Macleans.ca. Job seekers visit CareerBuilder.ca every month to search for opportunities by industry, location, company and job type, sign up for automatic e-mail job alerts, and get advice on job hunting and career management. For more information about CareerBuilder.ca products and services, visit <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.ca">http://www.careerbuilder.ca</a>.</p>
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    Media Contact:
    CareerBuilder
    Allison Nawoj
    773-527-2437
    [email protected]
    http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR






    

For further information: Allison Nawoj of CareerBuilder, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.careerbuilder.ca