Small Cities Join the Trend as Office Love Becomes the New Normal

India is no stranger to changing relationship dynamics, but a new international study shows just how dramatically things have shifted inside modern workplaces. According to a fresh survey by Ashley Madison in collaboration with YouGov, India now ranks second worldwide for office romances, with a striking 40% of professionals admitting they’ve dated or are currently dating a colleague.

In fact, only Mexico ranks higher, while countries like the US, UK, and Canada lag far behind with much lower percentages, revealing that workplace relationships are far more common and far more accepted in India than many assume.

Office Corridors: From Deadlines to Dating

There was a time when offices were strictly professional, where colleagues bonded over work ethic, not romantic chemistry. But today’s workplaces have become social ecosystems, long hours, shared lunches, and collaborative projects often blur personal and professional lines.

The survey, covering 13,581 adults across 11 countries, shows that India’s changing work culture, urban lifestyles, and increasingly liberal attitudes toward dating are reshaping office interactions.

And this trend isn’t limited to big metros.

Surprise Twist: Small Cities Lead the Curve

While Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are often seen as relationship hubs, it is Kanchipuram, a smaller, culturally traditional city, that tops India’s list for interest in extra-marital affairs.

This surprising insight suggests that the shift toward non-traditional relationships is spreading faster and wider than expected, crossing beyond metros into Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

What the Numbers Reveal

• 40% of Indians have dated or are dating a coworker
• 51% of men report experiencing workplace romance
• 36% of women say the same
• 29% of women worry about career consequences, compared to 27% of men
• Young employees (18–24) are the most cautious, with 34% concerned about professional impact
• India is also becoming more open to unconventional relationships, with 35% currently in an open relationship (Gleeden survey) and 41% willing to consider one

These numbers show a generational and cultural shift: relationships are no longer confined to traditional settings. Workplaces, once considered formal and structured, now reflect the changing emotional and social landscape of India.

A Cultural Shift in Real Time

From open relationships to office romances, India is embracing relationship choices that were once hidden or stigmatised. Experts note that the increasing presence of women in the workforce, shifting attitudes toward marriage, and growing independence have all contributed significantly to this shift.

But the report also raises critical questions:

• Is this rise empowering or concerning for workplace dynamics?
• Are companies equipped to handle romance-related HR issues?
• How do relationships impact career growth, especially for women?

The study doesn’t attempt to answer these, but the numbers make one thing clear: office romance is no longer the exception in India. It’s becoming the norm.