A Swedish adult film company, Erika Lust Films, has introduced an unconventional workplace rule that is raising eyebrows and sparking global discussion. The company now allows employees a 30-minute daily break specifically for masturbation this new policy, which aims to improve mental health, reduce tension, and increase productivity, became permanent after a successful trial run during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 40 staff members, the company believes in open conversations about sexual wellness and its impact on overall performance.
Born Out of Pandemic Stress
Erika Lust, the founder of the company, noticed growing stress levels among her team in 2021 one year into the pandemic, she saw a dip in focus and a rise in agitation. Her solution? A masturbation break, what started as an experiment during Masturbation Month turned into a company-wide success. Employees reportedly felt more relaxed, creative, and productive.
A Private Space for Personal Time
To support this unusual policy, Erika Lust created a private room in the office called the “masturbation station”, this space offers employees a quiet area to take their 30-minute break. According to Erika, this not only helps workers stay focused but also serves as a proven creativity booster in a blog post, she explained how the initiative aimed to bring balance and mental clarity during a difficult time.
A Permanent Company Policy
In May 2022, the masturbation breaks officially became part of Erika Lust Films’ company rules, “we decided to make ‘masturbation break’ a permanent company policy that we enforce until this day,” Erika stated, as per The Free Press Journal. The decision came after receiving positive feedback during the trial month.
Staff Support and Added Perks
To further encourage the practice, the company partnered with German sex toy brand Fun Factory in 2022. Each employee received a free sex toy of their choice the initiative underlines the company’s commitment to sexual wellness and stress management.
Public Reaction and Wider Trends
Interestingly, a Chemist4U survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 14 percent of the people admitted to masturbating during work hours, while it remains unclear how many of Erika Lust’s employees use the dedicated room daily, the policy reflects a growing conversation around mental health, stress relief, and wellness at work.
