The majority of British workers now admit to having a ‘work spouse’

Psychologist and wellbeing specialist Lee Chambers tells Metro.co.uk shares how to identify if you’re colleagues – or work spouses.

‘When it comes to having a spouse at work, there are a number of signs that indicate you are more than just colleagues.

‘You will enjoy each other’s company, and often find humour in similar things. You will find yourself naturally supporting each other at work, celebrating each other’s success but also keeping each other accountable and focused.

‘Conversations will flow naturally, both about work and about life in general, and opening up and being vulnerable will feel easier because of the trust and warm rapport. You will find this plays out in workplace socials, where you will gravitate together, and at work, where you will often be found together during breaks and downtime.

‘Some other things to consider are that you are more likely to cover for each other, have the desire to protect each other, and be very respectful of each other’s strengths, often championing them.’

So is this a good or bad thing?

Chambers adds: ‘Like many things in the workplace, it can have a positive or negative impact.

‘Workplace friendships are a vital part of our wellbeing, given how much time we often spend at work. Supportive and positive interactions, and a feeling of not being alone can be significant factors in the employee experience and boost job satisfaction. And work spouses can keep each other motivated, accountable and focusing on their strengths.

‘It can also be a challenge, leading to the blurring of professional boundaries, potentially present a conflict of interest, can become a distraction from both a personal productivity and team dynamic perspective, and may cause moral considerations and feelings of favouritism, resentment and envy within teams.’