PEOPLE are increasingly more likely to find close friends and the love of their lives in the office or shopfloor than down the pub or at a disco, according to a report by a firm of career consultants.

We are increasingly likely to make lasting friendships or event meet our lifetime partners at work, according to the report Friendship Works.

As a result, the report suggests, companies can improve staff retention, productivity, staff effectiveness and motivation by encouraging a sense of workplace community.

The report by consultants Sanders & Sidney was based on research among staff and their bosses.

It concluded that with the breakdown of traditional networks, the increase in divorce and more people living alone, people are increasingly relying on their workplace to provide a sense of belonging.

Workers said friendships are as important as pay and benefits when it comes to sticking to a company rather than moving on. Seven out of ten men and almost nine out of ten women said they had made lasting friendships that extend beyond the workplace. The report also found that a quarter of us will meet our lifetime partner at work.