Banish any thoughts of that cringe-worthy nightclub scene from The Office. There’s no reason why a social work culture has to be awkward or embarrassing, as these UK companies prove Socialising with work colleagues can be a tricky balance to strike. While studies show that it increases productivity, supports wellbeing and can lead to lasting friendships, there is always the fear that work might take over your personal life. That you may blur the boundaries of professional relationships or, even worse, end up embarrassing yourself on the karaoke machine when it goes too far. However, it seems that we are certainly not adverse to workplace relationships. In fact, one in five of us (22%) met our partner at work – according to a YouGov poll for the TUC – while a third of us have had a relationship with a colleague at some point.