Swedish Town Considers Paid “Sex Leave” for Employees
Overtornea, a town in northern Sweden, is considering a proposal that would grant employees a paid hour off work each week to engage in sexual activity with their partners. The initiative, spearheaded by Per-Erik Muskos, a 42-year-old city official and member of the Swedish Social Democrat party, aims to improve relationships and reduce stress levels among residents.
Muskos believes that Swedes are not dedicating enough time to their relationships, and that the demands of the modern workday contribute to this issue. He hopes that providing dedicated time for intimacy will not only strengthen partnerships but also positively impact mental and physical health. “You’ll see studies that show sex is healthy. It’s about having better relationships,” Muskos said, according to reports.
The proposal suggests a one-hour paid break during the workday specifically for this purpose. While the idea may seem unconventional, Muskos reportedly believes the motion will be passed without issue, citing the focus on health and wellness rather than simply encouraging sexual activity. He stresses that the break is intended to promote overall wellbeing, whether through sexual intimacy, a walk, a yoga class, or other restorative activities.
The concept isn’t entirely new within Swedish workplaces. Erika Lust Films, a Swedish adult film company, has already implemented a permanent policy allowing employees a 30-minute daily break for masturbation. This policy, born out of concerns about stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, was initially a trial run in 2021 but proved successful in improving employee relaxation, creativity, and productivity. The company even created a dedicated “masturbation station” – a private room – to facilitate the practice.
Erika Lust, the founder of the company, noted that the initiative aimed to bring balance and mental clarity during a difficult time. The policy was made permanent in May 2022 after receiving positive feedback from staff.
While the Overtornea proposal focuses on partnered sexual activity, the underlying principle – prioritizing employee wellbeing through dedicated time for personal needs – aligns with the approach taken by Erika Lust Films. The town’s consideration of paid “sex leave” reflects a growing recognition of the connection between personal life, mental health, and workplace performance.
The proposal is currently under consideration by local officials. It remains to be seen whether the town will formally adopt the policy, but the discussion has already sparked considerable interest and debate about the role of employers in supporting the personal lives of their employees.
