Valdar's Blog

One in five Brit employees won’t mind flirting with their boss in a bid to get a pay raise or promotion, a new survey has revealed.

According to survey by an online dating agency Parship, men are more likely than their female colleagues to enter into a little sexual playfulness with women bosses. While 19 per cent of women admitted that they will use their charms to get on, 25 per cent of men said that they were willing to try it.

On one hand, where over a third of men are actually attracted to their female superiors, finding them intelligent, self-confident, open-minded, and honest, with good communication skills, a sense of humour and a can-do attitude.

On the other hand only 17 per cent of women agreed that they fancy their male bosses, a few even described them as ruthless, domineering know-it-alls. The survey showed that male employees were more in favour of an office romance with 57 per cent saying they would date a colleague.

However, only 15 per cent of women think it is okay. “Perhaps women have learned through bitter experience that using one’’s sex appeal to get ahead at work can backfire,” the Daily Star quoted psychologist Dr Nafsika Thalassis, Parship’’s “singles coach”, as saying.

“Women who flirt with the boss risk having their bluff called. They are more likely to realise that flirting to get ahead will be disapproved of by colleagues. Men are less concerned that flirting will result in being cornered by their boss.

“But they should be wary – hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

“The fun of flirting lies in its maybe-I-mean-it, maybe-I-don”t playfulness, but it is often better to conduct relationships with absolute clarity,” she added.

Sameer Soni, actor: “It might intimidate some men that their wives are more successful than them.

But it doesn’t matter to me. What is more important is how you deal with their success. Women are superstars in their own right, but if her job becomes her attitude, chances are, the situation will become a little messy. Both partners should be equally secure in a relationship. I find it more comfortable working with successful women as there is no ego involved.”

Marc Robinson, choreographer: “I don’t think men are afraid of successful women. I think it’s great to be around such women and be friends with them. They’re amazing to work with. Not only are they extremely attractive but they are also very competent and bright.”

Vir Das, actor: “You see there is a formula, a normal man would be really scared of a woman who is doing very well professionally. On the other hand, stand up comedians like me are not at all scared because when our income goes down, our successful wives can support us. On a serious note, such women are much more fun to be with, they are not only interesting and tough but they’re also very attractive and they take better care of you.”

Karan Oberoi, actor: “Any man who is in love with a woman would be happy for her professional achievements. A man who is confident and is doing well himself would be very happy for his woman’s success.”

Advaita Kala, author: “Women are changing very fast so men have to keep up their pace. But that doesn’t mean men feel threatened by all successful women, they might feel daunted by a particular kind. To be in a wholesome relationship, the man needs to let go of his ego and move towards a partnership.”

Gauhar Khan, model: “Men are intimidated when they become aware of a woman’s success. Since ego comes with success as a package, such women tend to be a little narcissistic and it hampers the level of patience and tolerance.”

Adita Bhasker, entrepreneur: “I’m sure there are situations where men feel intimidated. As a matter of fact, I would not have had half my success had it not been for my husband.”
Deeksha Singh, WCH Training Solutions: “Women are steadily climbing the corporate ladder. A women’s ability to multitask scares a lot of men who have teething problems in the relationship when women start succeeding professionally.” SAANYA KHANNA