While many office workers may be concerned about the latest computer virus on the loose, it’s the love bug that has captivated others. A recent survey by the American Management Association (AMA) shows that 44 percent of managers who dated someone from work say that their relationship led to marriage.

AMA surveyed its executive members and corporate customers about their office policies and personal attitudes about workplace dating. Of the 391 managers and executives who responded, 30 percent admitted to having dated someone from work. Of those 116 people, 44 percent said their dating led to marriage; another 23 percent said their dating led to a long-term relationship that either continues or has since ended; and 33 percent of office dating led to short-term relationships.

“People work longer hours today which creates fewer opportunities to meet others outside the office. So, it’s no surprise that budding romances blossom among those with whom we spend the most time,” said Leemor Amado, AMA’s associate practice consultant.

“Company initiatives that foster employee socialization, work teams that bring different groups of people together to collaborate, as well as casual dress codes may help to create environments where colleagues feel more comfortable dating.”

According to AMA’s survey, 84 percent of respondents said that their companies had no written policies on workplace or employee dating, compared to 12 percent of companies that had policies; four percent of respondents did not know whether such a policy existed. Of the companies where policies did exist, 11 percent prohibit any co-worker from dating, whereas the majority of companies prohibit employees from dating a subordinate (92 percent) or a superior (69 percent).

Men’s and women’s personal attitudes about this subject are similar. According to the findings, 68 percent of men and 64 percent of women felt it was okay for employees to date. However, more women (36 percent) dated someone from work than did men (26 percent).

Attitudes among different generations at work are also similar. Sixty-nine percent of managers in their 30s an 40s said it was okay for employees to date, compared to 66 percent of managers in their 50s and 60s.

Of all those respondents who think dating is okay, 96 percent of men and women said it is acceptable so long as it is between co-workers. However, more men said it was okay to date a superior (27 percent) or subordinate (24 percent), compared to the women (18 percent and 15 percent, respectively).