Northlanders more likely to fantasise about colleagues and flirt at work

Employment advocate Mr Flaws said people must communicate they are uncomfortable about workplace flirting, first with the flirter and then with their employer if it doesn't stop. Photo / Getty Images

Northlanders are a flirtatious bunch at work, with many also fantasising about colleagues, a new study has revealed.

The "Sex in the Workplace" Adulttoymegastore Kiwi Sex Survey, verified by Colmar Brunton, showed that more than one in three Kiwis have flirted with a colleague (40 per cent).

Flirters were more likely to be from Northland, with 50 per cent of those who admitted they had been flirtatious with a workmate living in the region.

More than one in three New Zealanders, 38 per cent, have fantasised about a colleague. While they are of all ages, genders and sexual orientations, the survey results reveal that they are more likely to be male, unhappy with their sex life and unsatisfied with the frequency they have sex.

They were also more likely to be from Whangarei or the wider Northland region, with 53 per cent of respondents from this area stating that they have fantasised about someone they work with.

Adulttoymegastore spokeswoman Janelle Cheesman says the survey results show how common "workplace relations" are in New Zealand.

"The fact that one in five New Zealanders have had sex with someone from work at least once in their lifetime shows how commonplace it is.

"Many people spend 40 hours a week with their work colleagues, so it's likely that romantic connections could form over this time," Ms Cheesman explained.

Whangarei employment advocate David Flaws said he practised in both Whangarei and Auckland and hadn't noticed a higher concentration of workplace sexual harassment complaints in Northland.

"First off, let's think about the differences between Northland and Auckland, and I practise in both places. I'd have to say that in relation to sexual matters I haven't noticed any difference."

If someone is dealing with unsolicited flirtation at work, Mr Flaws said, the person should tell the flirter that the behaviour isn't welcome and tell them they are offended by what they have said or done.

If the behaviour is repeated, it would then become an employment issue.

The person who is being repeatedly flirted with or harassed should approach their boss and tell them about the behaviour and urge them to take action so the person can feel safe at work.

"The onus is on the employer to provide a safe workplace," Mr Flaws said.

"Sexual harassment is forbidden and comes under both the employment relations act and constitutes an unfair disadvantage."

Everyone has a right to feel safe at work, Mr Flaws said.