India Ranks Second Globally for Workplace Romances, Survey Finds

A new global study by Ashley Madison in collaboration with YouGov reveals that India sits in second place worldwide when it comes to adults who admit to engaging in romantic relationships with colleagues. According to the survey, 40% of Indian respondents said they are currently in, or have previously been in, a workplace romance – just behind Mexico at 4%.

The research spanned 11 countries – including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US – with a total sample of 13,581 adults. In comparison, workplace romance admissions in the US, UK and Canada stood at around 30 %, highlighting that India is well above the global average.

While the overall figure is 40% in India, the data also points to gender differences. Among Ashley Madison members worldwide, men were more likely than women to say they had dated a coworker (51% vs 36%). In the general population across the 11-country survey, women (29 %) were slightly more likely than men (27%) to cite professional repercussions as a deterrent to office relationships, while men (30 %) were somewhat more likely than women (26 %) to be discouraged by potential personal consequences.

Generational dynamics surfaced as well: younger workers aged 18–24 were the most concerned about the impact of workplace romance on their careers, with 34% citing professional consequence as a worry.

Beyond the general population, Ashley Madison’s own member data shed light on why many in India may choose discreet options: 61% of their members said they joined the platform for its discretion. Furthermore, nearly one in four Indian women reported a preference to avoid dating within their professional world altogether.

The findings arrive amid broader discourse about workplace culture in India and how changing attitudes toward relationships, intimacy and professional boundaries are playing out. India’s high ranking signals that office-based romantic relationships remain common – even as organisations increasingly implement policies and training around professional conduct and personal boundaries.