Reading that title, you might think this article is NSFW, but if your boss catches you, you can honestly tell them you are looking into how you can improve your work performance, for the good of the company, of course.
Scientists have found that a healthy and active sex life at home boosts job satisfaction, productivity, mood, and motivation at work. So, in your next work appraisal, when your boss asks you what the company can to do improve employees’ happiness and productivity… wait, we kid!
There is already plenty of evidence to support a healthy sex life being good for general mood as well as physical and psychological well-being. This new study, published in the Journal of Management, takes the idea further, looking into the specific benefits of a healthy sex life on work-life enrichment, specifically by studying the effects of sexual behavior at home the night before on next-day job satisfaction. And, as it turns out, sex makes you rather productive.
"We make jokes about people having a 'spring in their step,' but it turns out this is actually a real thing and we should pay attention to it," said lead author Keith Leavitt in a statement. "Maintaining a healthy relationship that includes a healthy sex life will help employees stay happy and engaged in their work, which benefits the employees and the organizations they work for."
The researchers studied 159 married employees over the course of two weeks, getting them to fill out a survey twice a day. They found that those who engaged in sex reported a more positive mood the next day. This elevated mood in the morning led to greater engagement in work and job satisfaction that lasted all day. In fact, the effects could last for up to 24 hours and was equally as strong for both men and women.
Those who prioritized sex at home were unknowingly giving themselves a “next-day advantage”, and were more likely to focus on tasks and enjoy their work.
"This is a reminder that sex has social, emotional and physiological benefits, and it's important to make it a priority," Leavitt said. "Just make time for it."
For those currently not engaging in regular sex who might be feeling a little miffed right about now, the authors do also note that it may not actually be the sex, per se, but that time has been carved out of a busy day to engage in something that isn't watching TV or using social media.
"Technology offers a temptation to stay plugged in, but it's probably better to unplug if you can," Leavitt added. "And employers should encourage their employees to completely disengage from work after hours."
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