Psychological Antecedents to the Effects of Psychedelics on Workplace Productivity: Interview Evidence of a Naturalistic Setting

Abstract

Consuming small amounts of psychedelics (“microdosing”) reportedly improves workplace productivity, but the mechanisms by which they enhance focus and creativity have not been thoroughly explored. This study follows previous qualitative research designs (Martin & Kjellgren 2019) and interviews 41 users who report microdosing LSD and Psilocybin for productivity at work. Users were recruited through the private-sector education company, The Third Wave. Respondents noted that LSD and Psilocybin helped them manage anxiety, burnout, and depression, but both substances helped in distinct ways. On average, respondents reported benefits of Psilocybin around relationships and collaboration, while the benefits of LSD were more often related to individualized focus and creativity.

Note:
Funding Information: None to declare.

Declaration of Interests: Author Greg Ferenstein is a paid consultant of The Third Wave.

Ethics Approval Statement: This qualitative research study is exempt from institutional review board approval.

Keywords: mental health, productivity, psychedelics, qualitative