Sexual relationships have been found to affect employee engagement, discretionary effort, and job satisfaction over time. Engagement refers to employees' psychological attachment to their workplace, which may lead them to be more committed to their jobs and stay longer in their positions. Discretionary effort is the extra effort that employees put into their work beyond what is expected.
Job satisfaction reflects how happy and satisfied employees are with their current position. These three factors are important because they can impact an organization's productivity and profitability.
One study found that employees who reported having a strong relationship with their partner outside of work were more likely to experience higher levels of engagement, discretionary effort, and job satisfaction than those without such relationships. The researchers suggest that these individuals may feel more supported and connected both inside and outside of the workplace, leading to greater motivation and satisfaction. Another study found that sexual harassment in the workplace negatively affected employee engagement and discretionary effort but positively affected job satisfaction. This suggests that while sexually charged situations at work may initially increase feelings of excitement and energy, they also create a hostile environment where employees may not feel comfortable contributing fully.
Another study examined the effects of long-term romantic relationships on employees' job performance. They found that couples who worked together were less likely to exhibit high levels of engagement or discretionary effort compared to those in other types of relationships. This could be due to a combination of increased stress from working with a loved one and reduced motivation to perform well if their partner was already meeting all of their needs.
This study did find that long-term relationships were associated with higher job satisfaction overall.
Sexual relationships can have both positive and negative impacts on employee engagement, discretionary effort, and job satisfaction over time. While they may provide initial excitement and support, they can also lead to increased stress and decreased motivation if not managed properly. Organizations should strive to create safe and supportive environments for their employees, regardless of their personal relationships.
How do sexual relationships affect employee engagement, discretionary effort, and job satisfaction over time?
A 2019 study investigated how sexual relationships in the workplace affected employees' engagement, discretionary effort, and job satisfaction. The results showed that when two coworkers became romantically involved with each other, their levels of job performance and motivation increased significantly. In addition, they were more likely to stay at their current job for longer periods of time, which can help reduce costs associated with turnover.