What makes for a happy, productive worker?

It could be a good sex life.

At least that’s the suggestion of a new study that included 159 married employees who were surveyed daily for two weeks. Those who had sex were in a better mood at work the next day, which led to higher levels of work engagement and job satisfaction.

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The beneficial effects that sex had on work were equally strong for men and women and lasted for at least 24 hours.

“We make jokes about people having a ‘spring in their step,’ but it turns out this is actually a real thing and we should pay attention to it,” said study author Keith Leavitt, an associate professor at Oregon State University’s College of Business.

“Maintaining a healthy relationship that includes a healthy sex life will help employees stay happy and engaged in their work, which benefits the employees and the organizations they work for,” he said in a university news release.

The study in the Journal of Management also showed that work-related stress harms employees’ sex lives, a finding that highlights the importance of leaving work at the office, Leavitt said.

“This is a reminder that sex has social, emotional and physiological benefits, and it’s important to make it a priority,” he said. “Just make time for it.”

Leavitt noted that sex triggers the release of hormones involved in feelings of reward, social bonding and attachment, which means sex is a natural mood elevator.

This is more evidence of the importance of a good work-life balance.

“Technology offers a temptation to stay plugged in, but it’s probably better to unplug if you can,” Leavitt said. “And employers should encourage their employees to completely disengage from work after hours.”