flirting at work

University of Surrey researchers asked over 200 men and women between the ages of 21 and 68 about whether they flirt at work – or engage in ambiguous goal-motivated behaviours that can be, but are not restricted to being, interpreted as sexually motivated.

The lawyers, stockbrokers, charity workers and public servants were also asked questions about their personalities, how satisfied they were in their jobs and how hard they worked.

The results revealed a clear difference between the sexes. Women who flirted were just as happy in their jobs as those who kept relationships on a strictly business basis. Males, however, who flirt tended to be less satisfied with their role.

Previous research has shown that people flirt for various reasons, which include increasing their self-esteem, fun and romance. If men are feeling unsatisfied in their roles, then they may resort to flirting to keep them entertained and this would partially explain the negative relationship.

The survey, commissioned by Harper’s Bazaar, found that women see other females as the main competition in the workplace.