A recent UK survey found that **14% of workers** admitted to masturbating during working hours—roughly **one in seven**—including over 20% of men and about 7% of women Chemist4U revealed in its nationwide poll. Other informal surveys, including one by Time Out New York, suggest even higher rates—up to **39% of respondents** reporting workplace self-pleasure at least once as Psychology Today cited the Time Out findings.
The timing couldn’t be more striking: these figures come after the policy of **30-minute daily masturbation breaks**, introduced by Erika Lust at her Barcelona-based adult film company, gained public attention. Under the policy, staff can use a private “masturbation station” during work hours to relieve stress and improve creativity LADbible documented Lust’s permanent policy.
“Companies now give daily self‑pleasure time—surveys say more workers admit doing it on the job willingly.”
Studies highlighted by Psychology Today suggest that masturbation offers tangible benefits: **stress relief**, mood enhancement, boosts in concentration, and a release of dopamine and oxytocin—features similar to replacing a cigarette break with a calmer, private activity as explained in their breakdown of self-care at work. Psychology lecturer Prof. Mark Sergeant even framed it as a potentially healthier form of micro-break cited in Psychology Today.
Another survey by Chemist4U clarified demographics: the most likely to masturbate on the job were **25–34-year-olds**, particularly higher earners—one in five men and fewer women admitted this behavior, and respondents who did averaged **2.4 sessions per week**, about **37 minutes each session**—adding up to **nearly 1.5 hours per week** spent on workplace self-stimulation as the Chemist4U figures outlined.
In context, chemical workplace stress and creative burnout are cited among key triggers. Lust, in launching her policy, said she observed increased anxiety and performance drag among her staff in 2021. The structured break was designed as a self-care tool—not to create unrestrained behavior, but rather to channel it safely as LADbible reported.
“Employees say these breaks reduce aggression and keep the creative juices flowing during intense workloads.”
Industry reactions vary. Critics warn that normalizing masturbation breaks outside adult or sex-positive workplaces risks legal, ethical, and liability complications—especially in mixed-gender and client-oriented environments. HR experts suggest that without strict controls and company‑wide consent, such breaks could lead to sexual-harassment claims or emotional discomfort VICE discussed potential HR pitfalls.
Still, proponents argue the behavior already happens, whether sanctioned or not—so structured permission might better manage risk. Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have noted masturbation at work can act as a “temporary release valve” under acute stress—but emphasize the need for boundaries between healthy self-care and inappropriate behavior Psychology Today featured these expert perspectives.
Overall, these findings provoke hard questions: if nearly one in seven workers engage in masturbation at work—and possibly as many as 40% in informal settings—should employers acknowledge it? And might designated breaks reduce secrecy and potential misconduct?
In sectors where sexual wellness is already foregrounded, such breaks may feel natural. Elsewhere, opening that door raises legal and ethical dilemmas. Whatever the answer, mounting data suggests workplace self‑pleasure is more common—and potentially more impactful—than most realize.
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