We’ve accepted chai breaks, smoke breaks, gossip breaks, even long bathroom scroll sessions disguised as “thinking time.” But the moment someone says masturbation break, people gasp. Like productivity and pleasure can’t possibly co-exist. But if I’m being honest, maybe they should.
A while ago, Erika Lust Films, an adult film company based in Barcelona, made headlines for introducing 30-minute daily masturbation breaks for employees. At first glance, it sounds like a gimmick. But dig deeper, and it’s actually a radical rethinking of what workplace well-being means, beyond yoga desks and forced fun Fridays.
Why is this even a conversation?
Well, the answer is quite simple, we’re burned out. Stressed. Tired. Most of us spend eight (let’s be real, often more) hours a day hunched over screens, expected to produce, perform, and pretend we’re okay. But our minds and bodies need release, not just metaphorically.
Masturbation is a natural, healthy form of stress relief that can release endorphins, calm anxiety, and even boost focus.mAnd no, it doesn’t have to be “weird.” It can be as private and respectful as any bathroom or nap break. The idea isn’t to turn offices into sex-positive spas. It’s to acknowledge that we’re human. With human needs. Including the ones we’ve been taught to hide or shame.
Pleasure is productivity
You know what doesn’t help anyone’s workday? Pent-up frustration. Faking smiles. Pushing through mental fog. Studies have long shown that taking breaks, real, guilt-free breaks, improves creativity, reduces stress, and boosts long-term performance. Masturbation simply joins that list as one of the more effective, under-discussed ways to reset and refocus.
It’s not about sex at work. It’s about self-care. About allowing people the space to recharge in a way that works for them. If someone wants to use their break for a walk, great. A power nap? Cool. A quiet moment with their vibrator or hand? That should be okay too, as long as it’s private and consensual.
The bigger picture: Consent, choice, and no shame
Of course, this idea isn’t for every workplace or every person. Some folks won’t feel comfortable. Some cultures won’t be ready. And that’s okay. The point isn’t to enforce it, it’s to make space for it, without shame or taboo. Sexual wellness is wellness and self-care. Period. And in a world where work bleeds into life, maybe it’s time we stop drawing harsh lines between productivity and pleasure.
After all, when employees feel seen, respected, and trusted to care for themselves, whether that’s through therapy, naps, or yes, even masturbation, they tend to show up better. For the job. And for themselves. Frankly, the real question isn’t “Should we allow masturbation breaks at work?” It’s “Why are we still pretending our bodies, our mental health, and our pleasure don’t belong at the table?”.
If we can talk about burnout, therapy, and boundaries, we can talk about masturbation too. It’s not dirty. It’s not shameful. It’s just human. if being human makes us better at our jobs, maybe it’s time our workplaces stopped acting like robots
