Are "sex days" the future of workplace wellness?

How workplaces approach wellness is evolving, and sexual wellness is becoming a more prominent topic. From paid time off for health checkups to flexible policies for intimacy and relationship support, employees and employers are increasingly recognizing its importance. But what does this shift mean for workplace culture and employee satisfaction?

To explore these changes, ZipHealth surveyed 800 employees and 200 managers across the US, examining perspectives on "sex days" — dedicated time off for intimacy, health, and related needs. Learn how these policies could impact productivity, loyalty, and workplace dynamics.

Key takeaways

• Over 3 in 5 employees support the idea of paid or unpaid "sex days."
• 1 in 2 employees who have taken a "sex day" reported increased productivity.
• 15% of employers would implement "sex days."
• Nearly 1 in 5 Americans would feel comfortable approaching their manager about taking a "sex day" or "sexual wellness day".
• 1 in 5 employees would consider leaving their job for one that offered "sex days."

Shifting perspectives on time off for sexual wellness

Sexual wellness is a growing industry, and it could also be shaping workplace wellness initiatives. This section examines what employees think about taking time off for intimacy, health, and relationship needs, along with their views on formalizing "sex days" as part of workplace policy.

Over 3 in 5 employees (60%) said they had taken time off to simply spend quality time with their partners, while 16% had specifically taken a "sex day" for intimacy. Some (1 in 5) had taken time off for health checkups like STD screenings, while others (1 in 10) had done so to seek relationship counseling or coaching.  

Support for official "sex days," whether paid or unpaid, was strong. Over 3 in 5 employees, especially younger generations, favored incorporating these days into workplace policies. Specifically, 3 in 4 Gen Zers and millennials expressed support for this concept. Employees working in tech, health care, and finance showed the highest enthusiasm, indicating how different sectors could shape conversations about sexual wellness.

The benefits of "sex days" go beyond personal satisfaction. Half of the employees who had taken one reported a noticeable boost in their productivity afterward, hinting at the potential organizational advantages of embracing sexual wellness initiatives.

Nearly half of employees (47%) said offering "sex days" could significantly reduce the stigma surrounding sexual health, creating a more open and supportive environment. Beyond stigma, 3 in 5 employees said addressing sexual health at work could improve mental health and well-being. Mental health issues can significantly affect work environments, potentially impacting performance and leading to absences. Similarly, nearly 60% of employees felt prioritizing sexual wellness could reduce burnout or absenteeism.

Despite these benefits, only 1 in 5 Americans feel comfortable approaching their manager to request a "sex day." However, the concept is important enough to influence career decisions: 20% of employees would consider leaving their current job for one that offers "sex days" as part of its wellness benefits.

For some, sexual wellness has already crossed into the workplace in other ways. Notably, 14% of employees have had sex at work, with 10% of in-office workers and 12% of remote workers admitting to the behavior. Additionally, 7% of employees confessed to having sex during a work call, while 6% have scheduled fake meetings to make time for intimacy with their partners. 

Employers' role in advancing sexual wellness at work

Employers are beginning to recognize the benefits of supporting sexual wellness initiatives in the workplace. This section explores current practices, potential changes, and the broader impact of implementing policies like "sex days."

At the time of our survey, 3% of employers were already offering "sex days," and 15% were open to adopting them in the future. Another 6% of employers said they provide paid time off for STD screenings or fertility checks, and 11% offered paid relationship counseling. Flexible scheduling for wellness activities was the most common accommodation, available at 33% of companies.

Employers saw significant benefits to integrating sexual wellness into workplace policies: 3 in 5 believed addressing sexual wellness could improve employee mental health and overall well-being. Similarly, 2 in 5 employers felt offering "sex days" would strengthen employees' loyalty, engagement, and retention while also attracting new talent. Another 31% viewed such initiatives as progressive and aligned with forward-thinking leadership.

Tech, health care, and finance led the way in their openness to adopting "sex days". These sectors could set the standard for integrating sexual wellness into broader wellness strategies.

Redefining workplace wellness through sexual wellness

While still a novel concept, the idea of "sex days" has sparked significant support from employees and growing interest from employers. From enhancing mental health and reducing stigma to boosting productivity and loyalty, sexual wellness initiatives could redefine workplace wellness programs. With younger generations leading the way and tech, health care, and finance companies embracing the trend, the future of workplace wellness might be more dynamic than ever.

Methodology

We surveyed 800 American employees and 200 managers to explore shifting workplace attitudes toward sexual wellness. The average employee age was 38; 42% of them were women, 57% were male, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 3% were baby boomers, 21% were Gen X, 60% were millennials, and 15% were Gen Z. The average manager age was 40; 30% of managers were women, 69% were male, and 1% were non-binary.

About ZipHealth

ZipHealth is dedicated to improving access to health care through innovative and personalized solutions. With a focus on sexual wellness, ZipHealth offers discreet, accessible services to support healthier lives. Learn more at ZipHealth.

Fair Use Statement

This article uses data from ZipHealth's workplace wellness survey, and presents it for informational, noncommercial purposes under fair use guidelines. Please cite this article if you distribute any of our findings.