Sex at work
How ready are you to take on the last taboo at work?
If you've been to any seminars in the last few years you've almost certainly heard someone admonishing to encourage your people to bring their whole selves to work.
Good idea?
I think so. Just imagine what it would do for productivity.
But what about our sexuality. Can we be sexual beings all the way up to the office door and switch off our sexuality as soon as we walk in?
I don't think so.
So we end up supressing our sexuality. We feel a spark, some chemistry when we work with a particular person. We think if we had met them in another life at another time we just don't know what would have happened. We can always dream.
But heh! We're not allowed to think that at work. So that spark is snuffed out, the chemistry is neutralised and we interact as neutered 'persons' rather than the men and women we are. How dull.
Now let's make it absolutely clear – sexual harassment is totally unacceptable. If you feel a spark and the other person doesn't then that's the end of the story.
I'm also not suggesting you jump into bed (or the closet) with your co-workers. Most of us have other relationships we value.
But when the spark is there and it's mutual, it energises us.
Why not recognise it openly, with acknowledgement that while we enjoy each others' company we have no desire to take it any further than that.
I am currently developing a pilot of this program. If you would like to participate or offer your ideas, I'd love to hear from you.