It’s that time of year: People picking out the perfect card to express what the human heart cannot put into words; packing cupid-shaped PB&J sandwiches for that certain sweetie, and nervously squirming in their seats, palms sweaty, waiting to plunge into that bag of notes and suckers and candy “Tweet Me” hearts to see if their crush wrote them a special Valentine’s Day message.

(See the infographic)

That’s right, I’m talking about good old fashioned love in today’s workplace–and according to a new CareerBuilder survey, there’s a whole lot of love to go around. Let’s take a look:

Who’s the Boss? Sometimes, Your Soulmate

The survey among 7,780 U.S. workers found that while the majority of relationships blossomed between workers in similar job levels, 28 percent of workers who dated a co-worker said they’ve dated someone who’s at least a rung above them on the ol’ corporate ladder, and 18 percent of workers admitted to dating their boss.

In comparing the sometimes mystifying differences of the female and male species, it was discovered that women were more likely to date someone higher up in their organization: 35 percent of women said they had done so, compared to only 23 percent of men.

An Extra Dose of Hospitality

Hospitality leads the top five industries for office romances, coming in significantly higher than the national average. Here’s the breakdown:

• Hospitality – 47 percent dated a co-worker
• Financial Services – 45 percent
• Transportation & Utilities – 43 percent
• Information Technology – 40 percent
• Health Care – 38 percent

Real-Life Romantic Comedies

The premise of movies like “Maid in Manhattan,” “The Proposal,” and Notting Hill” aren’t as based in fantasy as you might think–though (spoiler alert) the endings may be. It turns out 26 percent of workers reported that what someone does for a living influences whether they would date that person. Unfortunately for you lovers of happily-ever-after endings, 5 percent of workers said someone broke up with them because either their job required too many hours at the office, they didn’t make enough money or the person didn’t like their line of work.

And to shatter your Hollywood dreams even more, while the majority of workers tend to date people in different professions or functions, 19 percent reported that they are more attracted to people who have a similar job.

Even Happier Hours

Chance run-ins and social settings outside of the office (like happy hours) were cited as the most popular places for workers to make eyes at each other and fall truly, madly, deeply in love. Running into each other outside of work (13 percent), happy hours (12 percent), lunches (11 percent) and late nights at work (10 percent) were among the most popular catalysts for turning “late-night deadline” into “late night at the movies.”

To Tell or Not to Tell?

Most workers who have had office romances said they were actually open about their dating situation, though 37 percent reported they had to keep the relationship under wraps.

Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder and resident office romance expert has some sage advice for all those co-workers making googly eyes at each other across the boardroom:

“Whether you’re dating someone higher-up or a colleague at the same level, office romances are always tricky. First and foremost, it is important to know your company’s office dating policy. Remember to stay professional and draw a boundary line between your personal life and the workplace.”

 

Get all the intimate details about romance in the workplace today:

Have you dated someone at the workplace? Does your organization reject it, accept it, or go so far as to encourage it? Let us know in the comments.

Reality-TV-addicted hearts were breaking all over the country Monday night as Ali Fedotowsky left ABC’s  “The Bachelor” and its newest bachelor, Jake, in order to keep her job. While Ali’s two worlds were separate, however, the lines between work and love are often much blurrier. In fact, 37 percent of workers have dated a co-worker at some point in their careers, according to CareerBuilder’s annual office romance survey of more than 5,200 workers.

Would Aly and Jake’s problems have been solved if they had just been in love while sitting in cubicles next to each other from 9 to 5? It’s possible; 32 percent of workers surveyed said they went on to marry the person they dated at work. On the flip side, though, 5 percent of workers surveyed said they’ve left a job because of an office romance.

“Employees are working longer hours and under increased pressure, creating an environment that could cause relationships to bloom. Workers need to keep it professional under all circumstances, though, to ensure that the quality of their work is not negatively impacted,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.

Climbing the romantic ladder

Dating “above you” on the corporate ladder? You’re not alone — many respondents indicated they’ve dated a superior. More women than men indicated they’ve dated someone above them in their company’s hierarchy; almost a third of women (30 percent) said they have dated someone who holds a higher position in their organization, while only 19 percent of men report they have done the same.

Longing looks over the water cooler

Some co-workers may simply be pining for their co-worker from afar. Eight percent of workers currently work with someone whom they would like to date, with more men (11 percent) than women (4 percent) reporting they would like to take that next step.

Many of those who said they’ve dated a co-worker revealed that they didn’t actually meet that special someone at the workplace. So, when and where are co-workers finally giving that “Tweet Me” candy heart to their crush?

• Happy hour
• Lunch
• Working late at the office
• Company holiday party
• Business trip

Workplace responsibility

“Workplace relationships are more accepted these days, with 67 percent of workers saying they aren’t keeping their romance a secret. However, it is the responsibility of the individuals to understand company policy and make sure they adhere to it,” Haefner said.

Extreme Casual Fridays are not the way to go when it comes to getting the attention of your co-worker crush. Haefner offers the following tips for workers who may want to spark a workplace romance:

• Know your company’s office relationship policy: While some companies are completely open to office romances, others may have stricter policies. Make sure both parties in the relationship are aware of potential rules or consequences.
• Beware of social media: Before you start posting pictures and status updates about your newfound coupledom, it may be better to inform your co-workers or boss in person. That way, there is less chance for gossip or speculation.
• Always take the high road: If your relationship should end, do your best to maintain professionalism and not let the issues affect your performance on the job.

Any workplace romance stories of your own to share?