It likely isn’t surprising to learn that most cases of infidelity start in the workplace. In fact, career intelligence site, Vault.com, released some alarming statistics in relation to the frequency of office romances. Of their sample of 700+ respondents:

  • 58% claimed to have engaged in an office romance
  • 72% over the age of 50 were once romantically involved with a co-worker
  • Nearly 20% had an affair with a co-worker, while in a committed relationship
  • 72% would, if given the chance, participate in an office romance again

The Numbers Don’t Lie. Office romances and affairs are prevalent, despite attempts on behalf of organizations to curb or discourage the formation of these forbidden relationships.  While COVID-19 may have quelled the amount of physical time spent within workplaces or offices, many of these romances have naturally transitioned outside of the workplace or have moved online. However, as businesses country-wide have shifted into Phase 3 of reopening, many are returning to the office, and unsurprisingly, cases of infidelity are rampant.

With this in mind, Toronto’s Infidelity Investigation Experts are sharing the ins and outs of office romances; why they are so common, how to spot them, and what to do if you suspect your partner is engaging in more than water-cooler chat with their co-worker.

The “Cubicle Cupid” Strikes Again

Considering that we spend a whopping one third of our lives at work, it’s easy for coworkers to straddle the boundaries between professional and personal lives. Many of us are aware of the unique quirks, interests, family dynamics and history of our colleagues, and can probably confidently recite their daily order from the cafeteria. But how do so many of these co-worker relationships turn…romantic?

The mere fact that an individual spends so much of their quantity of time among co-workers within the workplace, there are many other factors that contribute to strengthened bonds:

Opportunities for Social Engagement

  • While interactions may remain professional within the workplace, during work hours there are often additional opportunities for lighter, more social interactions (think coffee breaks, lunch socials, work parties or team retreats). Over time, these opportunities can allow for co-workers to get to know each other on a more personal level, perhaps discovering shared interests or mindsets and exploring these commonalities in more casual environments.

Shared Experiences

  • Whether celebrating a win, mourning a loss, or sharing complaints about the glitchy photocopier, bonding over shared experiences with coworkers who understand the unique nuances and responsibilities of the job, can deepen these connections.

Sounding Boards

  • Since co-workers are often considered an objective third party, many feel safe divulging personal issues, including any difficulties with their spouse at home. An empathetic, attentive colleague can quickly become a source of support for difficulties within one’s professional and personal spheres.

While these three factors help to establish deep office friendships, naturally some of these relationships evolve into a stronger emotional connections over time, and the fantasy of pursuing a romantic relationship free from the responsibilities of home life (bills, children, chores, and any perhaps any existing marital friction) can play out in real time.

The Challenges of Spotting a Workplace Romance

Workplace romances can be challenging to spot, and often once our clients suspect that their spouse is engaged in an affair with a colleague, it is usually long after the romance first began. This is because workplace affairs are often concealed with work-related excuses which are both seemingly innocuous and hard to refuse. Particularly if your partner was already required to travel frequently for work, pulled long hours at the office, is habitually glued to their work phone, or regularly socializes with colleagues at “happy hour”, they may already have a built-in set of alibis to explain their whereabouts or behaviours.

We advise taking note of any distinct changes in behaviours, attitudes, appearances or habits while outside of their professional sphere. Perhaps your partner is suddenly devoting extra time into their morning routine to sharpen up their appearance on weekdays, or maybe they seem uncharacteristically distracted and disengaged when they’re at home. Some cheating partners who are harbouring guilt from their affair will suddenly become angrier and less tolerant, while others become more attentive or affectionate attentive or affectionate with their spouse, perhaps showing up frequently with flowers, “just because”.

For more Cheating Spouse Red Flags, check out our list of The Top 9 Signs of a Cheating Spouse.

Why Consider the Services of a Private Investigator?

While the telltale signs of a cheating spouse are exhaustive, we advise our clients that your strongest suspicion is that gut feeling that keeps you up at night. That being said, accusing a spouse of infidelity without any hard evidence can be detrimental to your relationship, particularly if their suspected romantic co-worker is, in fact, nothing more than a close friend.

Seeking the help of a team of Private Investigation Experts specializing in spouse, relationship, & infidelity investigations, can help you secure the answers you need to find clarity in your relationship. With a long-standing reputation as Toronto’s Premiere Private Investigation Agency, we have the experience and expertise to obtain professional, high-quality evidence through covert undercover surveillance, exposing office affairs in the fastest, most cost-effective manner. Because you don’t have to break the bank for the peace of mind that you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation, and let the Star Quality Private Investigations® Toronto team help expose the facts behind your cheating spouse suspicions.