There are times I question whether the modern workplace has turned into a giant playpen. The amount of time that employees spend on social media or checking ebay is astounding. When the employees think no one is watching, they do things.
One report from a few years ago put the productivity loss at $3.5 Trillion a year. That amount of lost productivity takes a big bite out of any company’s budget.
Besides the loss of productivity, another reason I think of the modern workplace a playpen is the number of affairs that have their start there. Remember not only is the boss not watching them, but neither are you.
Consider that the number of unfaithful wives having workplace affairs was at 50% in the decade of 1990-2000. We are nearly 20 years beyond that, so the numbers are now even higher.
When one factor accounts for well over 50% of extramarital affairs, it’s worth being concerned about. If you eliminated workplace affairs, you’d cut the rate of affairs down by half for women along with making a significant dent in men’s affairs.
With such a large percentage of affairs starting in the workplace, you can see the main reason I use the playpen reference. Although playgrounds would work, the whole idea of cubicles fit into the playpen metaphor.
There are several reasons why the workplace is now a high risk area for affairs. The one I want to share with you is that those caught up in the affairs mistake the rush of adrenaline for falling in love.
Yes, both adrenaline and being in love bring excitement into your life. When I worked in psychiatric hospitals I often cautioned clients about the danger of “confusing intimacy with intensity.”
When you confuse the excitement of deadlines, big projects, and the intensity of working in high pressure with love, it leads to bad choices. Since you can remove excitement from the workplace, your options for dealing with this phenomena are limited.
Sure, you can get another job, but what happens when the intensity and adrenaline come? You’ll find the same feelings surging once again.
The problem is not with the workplace, it’s that you can’t tell the difference between intimacy and intensity.
This means you really need to know what’s happening at your spouse’s workplace and the emotional surges they experience. Knowing those things may bother you and leave you wondering about trust issues.
Dealing with the issue when it’s a matter of distrust is easier than waiting until things progress to the point of betrayal.
If you’re not sure where to begin, one place is with the video, “How Can I Trust You Again?” Order your copy today and get started changing your relationship and the threats you can’t see at the workplace.
Keeping It Real,
Jeff
