Sexual relationships have been found to have both positive and negative effects on emotional labor and stress levels in employees. Emotional labor refers to the effort put into managing one's emotions and behavior to meet social expectations, which can include suppressing negative feelings and maintaining a pleasant demeanor. In general, individuals who engage in more emotional labor tend to experience higher levels of stress and burnout.
There is evidence that sexual relationships may mitigate these effects.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that couples who engaged in more frequent physical affection reported lower levels of daily stress than those who did not. This effect was mediated by decreased perceptions of stressful situations and increased coping abilities. Another study found that individuals who were sexually satisfied reported less psychological distress and better overall mental health compared to their less sexually satisfied counterparts.
Research suggests that individuals who feel supported and cared for by their partner may experience less workplace stress and burnout.
Sexual relationships also come with potential drawbacks. Some studies have linked greater frequency of sexual activity to increased feelings of anxiety and fear of failure in the workplace. It is possible that this may be due to the additional demands placed on an individual's time and energy by regular sex, or it could simply be related to factors such as performance pressure and competition within the job environment.
Having an extramarital affair has been linked to increased levels of stress and even depression.
While sexual relationships may provide some benefits for reducing emotional labor and stress, they are not without risks. Employers should consider providing support to employees who face these challenges and strive to create a workplace culture that promotes well-being and resilience. By doing so, organizations can foster positive employee outcomes and maintain a productive and fulfilling workforce.
How do sexual relationships impact emotional labor, stress, and burnout among employees?
The term "emotional labor" is used to describe the process of managing one's emotions to meet social expectations at work (Katz & Kahn, 1978). In a workplace context, this may include regulating one's behavior to align with organizational norms or to maintain positive interactions with colleagues, clients, or customers.