It is common knowledge that many people experience some form of sexual desire during their workday.
It is also true that employers have certain expectations about how their employees behave professionally. When these two factors come into conflict, it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, stress, and frustration. This phenomenon can negatively impact an employee's overall well-being. In this article, I will discuss why there is a tension between organizational expectations and sexual autonomy.
The tension between organizational expectations and sexual autonomy has existed for centuries. It has been present throughout history and continues to be relevant today. The concept was introduced by Sigmund Freud in his book Civilization, Society, and Religion. He argued that civilizations create rules and restrictions to control people's behavior, including their sexuality. These constraints are often imposed through social norms, laws, and other forms of regulation.
Sexual Autonomy vs. Organizational Expectations
Sexual autonomy refers to the right to make decisions regarding one's own body and sexual desires without fear of judgment or punishment. Employees should feel free to express themselves sexually as they wish without worrying about being labeled promiscuous, immoral, or deviant. Workplaces must allow employees to act independently and develop healthy relationships outside of work. On the other hand, organizational expectations refer to the standards set by employers for their staff's behavior at work. These guidelines include professionalism, discipline, and productivity.
Manifestation of Conflict
When the internal conflict between sexual autonomy and organizational expectations occurs, it can manifest in various ways over time.
An employee may experience feelings of guilt after having a consensual sexual encounter with a colleague during working hours. They might struggle to focus on their job due to the shame associated with the event.
They could lose sleep or become anxious while waiting for their partner to arrive at home.
This can lead to burnout, depression, or anxiety disorders.
Negative Effects on Emotional Well-Being
The tension between sexual autonomy and organizational expectations can have negative effects on an employee's emotional well-being. It can impact their mental health, leading them to feel isolated, guilty, ashamed, or trapped. Some individuals may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol to deal with these feelings. Others may begin to question their values and identity, which can be detrimental to their self-esteem. The constant stress of hiding one's true desires from colleagues can also take a toll on physical health, causing high blood pressure, headaches, or even heart problems.
The conflict between sexual autonomy and organizational expectations is a complex issue that affects many people. Employees should be allowed to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or punishment. Organizations must create safe spaces where employees can discuss their needs openly without reprisals. This approach will help improve emotional well-being by reducing feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation.
How does the internal conflict between sexual autonomy and organizational expectations manifest in employees' emotional well-being over time?
Employees may feel conflicted when their sexual autonomy is curtailed by workplace policies that dictate appropriate behavior. This can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and decreased job satisfaction, which can have negative impacts on their emotional well-being. Over time, these feelings can take a toll on an employee's mental health, leading to increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, and burnout.