According to research conducted by TonerGiant, a UK printer ink and toner provider, one in eight British people have engaged in sexual activities during their work hours while working from home. The study also found that millennials, aged between 28 and 40, were the most likely age group to engage in such activities. This revelation sparked a discussion online, with some social media users expressing disbelief and others criticizing the behavior. However, the research also showed that other non-work-related activities, such as DIY and napping, were also carried out during work hours without attracting the same level of scrutiny.
Sexual activities during work time have always occurred, whether in the office or at home. Pre-pandemic research in 2013 already indicated that more than half of office workers had engaged in sexual relations with their colleagues, with a significant proportion taking place in the actual office. Another study showed that individuals in various job roles, including factory workers, bar staff, and shop assistants, have participated in sexual activity during work hours. Despite these findings, only 12% of respondents in the TonerGiant research admitted to having sex while working remotely. Instead, more participants reported doing household chores or playing games during work hours.
The focus on remote workers having sex during work hours reflects a lack of understanding and acceptance of different work styles. As long as productivity is not compromised and the sexual activity is consensual and private, it should not matter if individuals choose to engage in such activities during work hours. In fact, sex can help manage stress, improve intimacy in relationships, and increase overall happiness and job satisfaction. Rather than fixating on whether employees are having sex at home, employers and society as a whole should focus on the work itself and its outcomes. Ultimately, remote work has provided individuals with more flexibility in their personal lives, including the opportunity to engage in sexual activities when it suits them.