A Stockholm-based adult film company, Erika Lust Films, has officially implemented a unique workplace policy: a 30-minute masturbation break for employees. Introduced in 2021 during Masturbation Month and made permanent in 2022, the initiative aims to relieve stress, enhance mental health, and spark creativity among its 40-member team.
The idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when founder Erika Lust noticed rising anxiety and agitation among her staff. “We were less focused, more agitated and overall more anxious,” Erika shared in a blog post. To counter this, she offered an extra half-hour break each day for self-pleasure—eventually designing a dedicated “masturbation station” within the office to ensure privacy.
According to Erika, who dubs herself the “queen of ethical porn,” the policy has produced tangible results: employees report feeling happier, calmer, and more productive. In addition to lowering stress, the initiative also aims to normalize masturbation and promote broader acceptance of sexual health practices.
What began as an unconventional experiment has now become an integral part of the company’s wellness strategy, showing that even taboo topics can have space in progressive workplace discussions.