Talk, hug, avoid
COLOUR-CODED LANYARDS TO TELL IF IT’S SAFE TO MINGLE IN OFFICE
STAFF returning to offices will get green, amber and red lanyards to show how much contact they want with colleagues – as a back-to-work sex fest is predicted.
The traffic-light system will reveal if workers want to keep their distance, talk but not touch, or high-five and hug. A number of companies are handing out the lanyards, including Oxbridge Home Learning.
Managing director Matt Jones said: “Our lanyards help us all know where we’re comfortable as everyone comes back into the office.” Meanwhile, some experts predict many Brits will be more than happy about getting close to their colleagues – between the sheets.
According to a survey by job listings firm Adzuna, half of workers have dated colleagues – and many others fantasise about their workmates.
After 18 months of lockdown loneliness, businesses are arranging extra social occasions with free grub so staff can reunite – and counsellors predict things could get steamy.
Relationship therapist and broadcaster Lucy Beresford, inset, said: “People are very keen to connect in the workplace again and renew normal human activities, like having sex.
“Workmates are fully expected to have relationships again.
“People desire connection in a relationship.
“Working in the same workplace is a connection that people already have in common, making it easier to connect with each other as workers return to offices.”
Relationships and management expert Rebecca Chory said: “We may see workplace romances explode, with people so happy to be mixing with others they can touch and see.”
Insurance giant Phoenix Group – which has over 7,000 staff – let employees choose a green or red lanyard to show how comfortable they were with contact from others as it held social events at its 11 UK offices, offering free food and chocolates.
A spokesman for the firm said: “The safely social events are helping people find their way back into socialising and being in the office environment again.”
A spokesman for Adzuna added: “Many people in the UK find love in the workplace.”