Analysis stratified by age indicates a greater likelihood of participation among individuals aged 35 to 44 (35%) and 45 to 54 (34%).
A new study conducted by Ashley Madison, in collaboration with consulting firm YouGov, provides data on relationships with coworkers and personal engagement in an international context. The results show that the professional environment remains a place for the development of romantic relationships between colleagues.
The survey, which surveyed the general population in 11 countries, including Brazil, indicated that 31% of respondents already have or are currently in a romantic relationship with a co-worker. This percentage means that nearly one in three people consulted reported having established relationships that go beyond the purely professional realm.
Analysis stratified by age indicates a greater likelihood of participation among individuals aged 35 to 44 (35%) and 45 to 54 (34%). In contrast, the youngest age group, 18 to 24 years old, recorded the lowest participation rate, at 23%.
The country with the highest percentage of individuals who reported a relationship at work was Mexico (43%). Followed by India (40%) and Switzerland (36%). Brazil and Australia share fourth place in this ranking, with an incidence of 32%. Germany had the lowest rate among the countries included in the survey, at 23%.
Tammy NelsonAshley Madison consultant suggested that the amount of time we spend together in the contemporary corporate environment acts as a factor that encourages the creation of personal connections. The counselor stated that professional proximity can make the distinction between business partnership and personal attraction less clear.
The survey also identified differences based on gender among platform users. 51% of men admitted to having had a relationship in their professional environment, while 36% of women reported the same. In addition, 20% of women indicated an aversion to engaging with colleagues, a much higher percentage than the 8% of men who expressed this attitude. However, in countries like Mexico and Spain, women on the platform led the professional engagement statistics (67% compared to 56% of men).
Fear of facing professional or personal consequences is the main factor limiting participation. 28% of the general population cited these two concerns as the biggest deterrent. Women expressed greater concern about the impact on their careers (29% compared to 27% of men), while men expressed greater concern about developments of a personal nature (30% compared to 26% of women). Among Ashley Madison members, fear of professional sanctions, such as dismissal or damage to reputation, is the main factor preventing them from seeking confidential relationships.
The study also examined the reasons for registering on the platform. For 61% of participants, the main motivation is the high level of confidentiality provided, and 57% seek to interact with individuals with a similar mindset.
Among Brazilian participants, 45% said they used the platform with the aim of avoiding the development of extramarital affairs within the workplace. This tendency to seek external space for more discretion was also observed in Mexico and Spain (33%), as well as in English-speaking countries (24%).
The survey was conducted with platform members between September 2 and 4, 2025, and included 3,550 participants. The survey was conducted with the general population connected By YouGov Plc, from 26 August to 9 September 2025, with 13,581 adults in 11 countries.