Masturbation Break at Workplace: What Do You Think About This Idea of a Swedish Employer?

Unconventional Policy Sparks Global Debate

Erika Lust, a Swedish filmmaker and founder of Erika Lust Films, has sparked renewed global discussions about workplace well-being with her unconventional 30-minute daily masturbation break policy. Initially introduced in 2021, the policy at her Barcelona-based indie adult film company resurfaced in 2025, prompting humorous and sarcastic social media reactions.

Origins During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lust implemented the policy during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat stress, anxiety, and reduced focus among her over 40 employees. She noticed her team struggling with agitation and a lack of creativity, prompting her to trial the break during Masturbation Month in 2021. The initiative proved successful, leading to its permanent adoption in May 2022.

Dedicated “Masturbation Station” for Employees

The company provides a private “masturbation station” in the office, offering a safe and comfortable space for employees to use during the break. Lust asserts that masturbation boosts happiness, relaxation, focus, and creativity, citing its ability to reduce anxiety.

In a 2024 interview with The News Movement, she reaffirmed that the practice “gets rid of anxiety,” aligning with her mission to destigmatize sexuality and prioritize emotional well-being.

Partnership and Broader Context

In 2022, Erika Lust Films partnered with German sex toy brand Fun Factory to provide employees with a free sex toy of their choice, further supporting the initiative.

A 2022 Chemist4U survey found that 14% of people admitted to masturbating during work hours, though this statistic reflects general workplace behavior, not specifically Lust’s employees.

Psychologists' Take on the Policy

MedBound Times connected with Ms. Khushboo Agarwal, a psychologist at Symbiosis International University, Pune, Maharashtra, to share her insights on the topic:

While it’s important to reduce the taboo around self-pleasure and create safe spaces for conversations about it, promoting masturbation breaks as a way to cope with workplace stress isn’t applicable to mainstream professional environments. There are healthier, more sustainable ways to manage stress, like mindfulness, movement breaks, or supportive conversations.

Using masturbation as a stress-relief tool in such settings is comparable to suggesting emotional eating as a coping mechanism…it might offer temporary relief but can easily lead to unhealthy patterns if used excessively or as the primary way to manage emotions.

The goal should be to promote emotional regulation skills that are accessible, inclusive, and appropriate for diverse work cultures.

MedBound Times also connected with Ms. Kritika Suri, Psychologist for her thoughts on this matter:

1. Self-pleasure activity cannot be done with a time-bound thought. Imagine someone is allotted a time of 1 p.m.—will they have the desire to fulfill their hunger or sexual need at that exact moment?

2. Additionally, one needs a safe and calm environment. In corporate offices, thoughts of meeting deadlines and attending meetings won't allow one the mental space to meet sexual needs, and therefore won't lead to arousal.

3. While it was said by the boss of a Swedish company that it could help enhance employee productivity, one needs to consider cultural differences as well.

4. It may break the association of the workplace with work. Just like a bed is associated with sleep, when people begin to eat or watch TV in bed, they weaken that association. Eventually, the bed becomes a place for activity rather than rest, which can lead to sleeping issues.

2025 Resurgence and Social Media Buzz

The policy’s resurgence in 2025 coincides with heightened discussions about workplace mental health, burnout, and flexible work environments. Social media users have reacted with humor and sarcasm, but Lust maintains the goal is to foster a safe, open workplace, not to seek publicity. Despite the attention, no evidence suggests the policy has been adopted beyond her company.

(Rh/Eth/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)