5 Signs Your Partner Is Having an Affair at Work

June 12, 2022 - Reading time: 7 minutes
Updated on: April 6, 2025

One of the most frequent types of infidelity is a workplace affair—when someone becomes too close with a colleague. If you're concerned your partner may be having an affair at work, it’s understandable that you're feeling anxious or distressed. Rest assured, you’re certainly not alone. Every year, countless people across the UK experience similar worries about their partner’s behaviour, wondering whether something more is going on behind their back.

Workplace affairs can be particularly tricky to detect because you don’t see your partner’s daily interactions firsthand. This is exactly where professional private investigators like ourselves come in. Using discreet surveillance, GPS tracking, and investigative expertise, we can help you uncover the truth quickly and confidentially, putting an end to uncertainty.

Over the years, we've identified several clear indicators that can suggest a workplace affair is taking place. To help you, we've summarised five crucial signs that your partner might be involved with someone at their job. By recognising these signals, you can better decide when it might be necessary to seek professional help and clarity.

What Are The Tell-Tale Signs Your Partner Is Having an Affair at Work?

If you're suspicious that your partner is being unfaithful at work, it's often difficult to find definitive evidence on your own—particularly if you don't work in the same place. Thankfully, our professional experience has shown there are common red flags you can look for, even from home. Take a look below and compare these signs with your partner’s recent behaviour:

1. Sudden Changes in Work Patterns or Hours

Has your partner’s working schedule become unpredictable? If they previously maintained regular hours but have recently started working late or heading in early without a clear reason, it might indicate something suspicious. Occasional overtime is common, but if these changes happen frequently, it could mean they’re spending extra time with a specific colleague.

Notice how they communicate these changes. Do they casually explain, maintaining eye contact? Or do they seem nervous, quickly changing the topic or avoiding direct questions? Their reactions could provide a clue.

2. Unusual Attention to Appearance

A sudden interest in looking good at work might signal more than just professionalism. When someone starts putting extra effort into their appearance—such as new clothing, grooming habits, perfume, or aftershave—it may be an attempt to impress someone at the office.

Pay attention if they suddenly start dressing as though they’re attending a social event, rather than simply heading to work. It could be a subtle sign that they’re trying to impress someone new.

3. Increase in Work-Related Social Events

Work social events are often a convenient excuse for unfaithful partners to spend extra time with someone outside normal working hours. If your partner suddenly develops an interest in attending conferences, seminars, business dinners, or overnight trips—especially if they never previously showed any interest—it might indicate something is wrong.

Even if attending such events is normal for your partner, be mindful if they start cancelling family commitments or personal plans in favour of work engagements. Sudden enthusiasm for workplace events could be an excuse to spend more time with a particular colleague.

4. Increased Secrecy Around Mobile Devices

A common sign of any affair is increased secrecy around a mobile phone. While everyone’s attached to their phones these days, ask yourself if your partner’s habits have noticeably changed. Are they now hiding their screen, keeping their phone face-down, or deleting messages frequently?

If their behaviour is defensive when you simply ask who they're messaging—particularly if it's a colleague of the opposite sex—this could be cause for concern.

5. Defensive Reactions to Simple Questions

Being unfaithful is stressful because of the effort involved in hiding it. As a result, your partner might become unusually defensive or irritated when you ask simple questions about their day or recent schedule changes. They may respond with vague answers, shift blame, or even accuse you of being paranoid.

If they react angrily or abruptly to innocent queries, this defensiveness could reflect guilt and stress related to hiding their behaviour.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Your Partner is Cheating at Work?

If your intuition is telling you something’s wrong, you're probably correct. If you notice multiple signs from the list above, it's wise to talk to someone impartial who can help you clarify your suspicions.

At this stage, hiring a professional private investigator is a sensible option. A qualified investigator can discreetly monitor your partner's activities, often using modern methods like GPS tracking devices placed on vehicles (where legal), mobile phone analysis, and covert surveillance techniques.

How Common Are Workplace Affairs in the UK?

We spend significant amounts of our lives at work, often more time than with our own families. In fact, recent studies have shown that around 20% of people admit to having an affair with a colleague, but the actual figure is likely much higher. Many are hesitant to admit infidelity, fearing judgment or repercussions. Nearly half of UK adults surveyed also reported knowing someone who had an affair at work.

How Do Workplace Affairs Typically Start?

Workplace affairs usually start subtly—often through extended time spent collaborating closely on a project. Over time, this close partnership can shift from professional to personal, leading to emotional connections and eventually crossing the line.

These relationships typically develop gradually, sometimes over weeks or even months. The initial step into infidelity might occur during a work event or social gathering, making it hard to detect from home.

Take Action Now—Get Professional Help

If your concerns have grown after reading these points, professional investigation could bring clarity. At Private Investigators UK, we specialise in discreet investigations, providing evidence so you can confidently address your partner’s behaviour.

We conduct every investigation professionally, ethically, and confidentially, prioritising your peace of mind. Reach out today and tell us about your concerns—we’re ready to help you find the truth.