Four in 10 Irish people have had a relationship with a work colleague at some point - and almost 10% admitted to having sex in their workplace, according to a survey.

Other findings included:

• Almost 10% admitted having sex in their place of work

• 15% have flirted with work colleagues on social media

• Majority don’t want material gifts for Valentine’s Day

• 42% of people believe Valentine’s Day is a ‘money spinner’

76% of workers said they would not feel obliged to tell their boss if they embarked on an office romance.

But 85% of respondents to the Valentine’s Day Survey, carried out by to RecruitIreland.com, insisted that the relationship did not affect their work.

15% have flirted with work colleagues on social media, with Facebook named as the most popular outlet.

Irish people in general are not completely taken in by February 14, with almost 42% of respondents regarding Valentine’s Day as “a money spinner”, and 26% calling it “overrated”.

Fortunately for them, the majority (51%) said that some good old-fashioned TLC is the best gift on Valentine’s Day, with flowers coming second at 16%.

Past results from the survey highlighted material gifts including jewellery, chocolate or champagne.

The survey of 500 people was carried out over the past number of weeks.

Speaking about the survey results, Sinead Johnson of RecruitIreland.com said: “These results make for interesting reading and with more of us working longer hours than before and socialising with colleagues afterwards, there’s even more chance of an office romance blooming.”

“On a more serious note, companies should have a policy on office relationships – a love clause if you will. It’s a touchy subject but it’s best for all concerned to know where they stand.”