Survey: 73% of Brits Have a Work Spouse

A recent survey found that 73% of British adults have a work spouse, meaning a platonic friendship with a work colleague with emotional bonds and trust. 

Four in ten of this group shared that they are more likely to confide in a work spouse about work problems and financial difficulties, rather than their significant other. Common reasons for having a work spouse are that they benefit mental health and work-life enjoyment.

This platonic bond can be so strong that 3 in 10 respondents would leave their current job if their work spouse were to leave. 13% of respondents, 19% of men, choose to keep their work spouse a secret from their partner. 

The survey was conducted by Krispy Kreme, who is running a campaign for Valentine’s Day focusing on office relationships. Work spouses can visit a Krisy Kreme shop between 6th – 12th February and receive two Valentine’s Day doughnuts for the price of one.

“We spend so much time in the office, that forming authentic, joyous relationships with our colleagues is so important and as the research shows, people are in fact deriving real benefits from their working wives and husbands, from having someone to laugh with to someone to confide in” said Emma Colquhoun, Chief Marketing Officer UK & Ireland at Krispy Kreme.