Workers Are Sexting More During Office Hours, Survey Finds
A new survey suggests that sexting during work hours is becoming increasingly common, with employees using digital intimacy as a way to pass the time, stay connected with partners, and even add excitement to their workday.
A Dating.com survey of 2,000 adults found that about 20% of workers admitted to engaging in sexting during work hours, while one in 20 respondents went a step further by sexting a colleague in the same office. The results indicate that risky digital behaviour in the workplace may be more widespread than many employers realize.
A Growing Trend
Google searches for “what to do when you’re bored at work” have surged by 648%, which researchers say may point to digital intimacy becoming a popular way for people to maintain attraction, seek validation, or simply make the workday go by faster.
“It’s more common than people would admit,” said Jaime Bronstein, assistant therapist at Dating.com.
“Phones have blurred the lines between personal and professional lives and made it easier to have these types of conversations throughout the day. People don’t necessarily plan to have sex during the day – it’s often an ongoing conversation with their partner that impacts work time.”
No Impact on Productivity?
Despite the prevalence of sexting at work, many employees who engage in it say it has no effect on their duties. Around 20% of respondents believed their efficiency had not been affected, while 25% admitted to frequently sexting while at work.
Bronstein noted that the thrill of sexting adds to its appeal but is not always the primary motivation.
“Sexting can be a way to maintain a connection or build a stronger one,” she said. “People use flirtation and intimacy to stay connected during the busy workday and maintain the spark in their relationship. It’s no surprise that in an age where everyone is digitally connected, sexting continues even during work hours.”
For some, it is simply a way to inject excitement into an otherwise routine day. Around 22% of respondents said sexting allowed them to live out fantasies they would never act on in real life, while another 13% enjoyed being able to “log off whenever they wanted,” keeping their personal exchanges confined to the workday.
Workplace Policies Still Matter
While some employees may not care about employer policies, Bronstein emphasized that professionalism, privacy, and consent should remain a priority.
“People should keep in mind that work devices may not be private and colleagues may have visibility into their conversations or texts,” she said. “If employees choose to engage in sexting during work hours, they should do so in accordance with workplace policies, ensure mutual consent, and avoid situations that could jeopardize their job responsibilities.”
The findings highlight the evolving relationship between technology, personal lives, and the modern workplace, as smartphones continue to blur boundaries that were once clearly defined.
