A boost in the bedroom could mean a boost in the boardroom – with new research showing workers who have more frequent sex earn more money.

The study found that employees who have sex two or three times a week earn 4.5 per cent more than those who are less sexually active.

Overall, the Greek research found a clear link between higher earnings and more frequent sex.

But the study did not establish whether more sex improved work performance, resulting in increased earnings - or whether those on higher incomes were more likely to get lucky.

The British study used data from 7,500 Greek nationals who took part in behavioural research about the effect of sexual activity on wages.

Dr Nick Drydakis, Reader in Economics at Anglia Ruskin University, said common psychological theories suggest that those individuals who were fulfilled at home would be more successful at work.

"Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory claims that the happier and more fulfilled individuals are in their lives, the more productive and successful they will be in their work, translating to higher wages,” the study leader said.

"The theory concludes that people need to love and be loved, sexually and non-sexually, by others. In the absence of these elements, people may become susceptible to loneliness, social anxiety and depression - all factors that can affect their working life.”

However, he said a number of studies which have tried to establish lack of sex leads to lower wages or lower wages lead to less sex suggest both are true.

The study also found that employees with health problems are less sexually active.

Dr Drydakis said: "Few studies have been conducted on the association between health status and sexual activity using thousands of observations from random samples. Even fewer studies have been published on the association between specific health impairments and sexuality."

Employees taking medication are 5.4 per cent less sexually active, while those with diabetes are 2.4 per cent less and those with arthritis and rheumatism are 3.9 per cent less.

Employees with cancer are 5.4 per cent less sexually active while employees with psychiatric or psychological symptoms are 3.7 per cent less sexually active.

And those with heart problems, such as coronary heart disease and angina, are 11.4 per cent less sexually active, the study found.