Gender Differences in attitudes towards Sex Jokes in the Workplace
The study’s authors looked at the effect of sexual behavior in the workplace such as sexual jokes, innuendo, discussions of sexual matters or flirtation. They analysed gender differences in attitudes towards such behaviour in order to see whether there were any positive side-effects such as social bonding or enjoyment.
While 25% of those studied stated that they found sexual behaviour in the workplace 'fun', 50% were neutral and the remaining quarter expressed negative sentiments. Importantly, even employees who enjoyed the behaviour tended to withdraw from work, felt less valued and reported depressive symptoms more often than employees who experienced little to no sexual behavior at the office. The results were found among both women and men, working in manufacturing, social service and university jobs.
One of the study's authors, Prof. Berdahl, suggested the study’s findings should be treated as “sage advice” for employees and employers to avoid engaging in sexual behaviour while on the job.
“In our culture, sexuality has these connotations of domination, subordinance and vulnerability,” she said. “Often a dominating behaviour is a way of making someone squirmy. Why bring this into the workplace?”
Sexual Behavior At Work Still A Problem, Study Shows, 7.4.2009, Science Daily.