We read an interesting survey report recently, released on the back of the BBC’s airing of the seventh ‘The Apprentice’ series. I’m sure we all know the format of The Apprentice… 14 candidates, all going for one job, split into teams and being set simple tasks (yet still seeming to make them appear doubly difficult!), and all sharing one large house… flatmates!

So, Easyroommate.co.uk, the number one flatshare and house share website, decided to take a poll – over 50% said the had lived with a work colleague - and came out with surprising results:

• Over half of flatmates surveyed have lived with a work colleague;
• 65% said their work relationship improved as a result; and
• 18% said living with their colleague caused some conflict.

Two more startling statistics… over 90% of flatsharers surveyed said they were able to relax and ‘be themselves’ at home with colleagues, whilst over 65% reported that their relationship became more collaborative in the workplace.

Corinne Sweet, a leading relationship psychologist, comments: “These results are heartening as they confirm that people are keen to create a positive home and work life, even with colleagues. It means its possible to create clear boundaries between the ‘profesional’ in you, and the ‘homebody’ you. Living together can also enhance collaboration rather than being a spur to increased competitiveness. Maybe it shows how important it is to be able to be tolerant and flexible, both at home and at work.”

We second that…!