Recent research highlights that over one-third of UK employees have cried at work last year.
- Survey reveals 66% of those who cried at work were women, while 34% were men.
- Stress is the leading cause of workplace tears, with 55% citing it as a reason.
- Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are more likely to express emotions at work.
- Changing perceptions suggest crying is no longer seen as a sign of weakness.
A substantial study conducted by Vision Direct has uncovered that more than a third of British employees have cried at their workplace at least once in the past year. This research surveyed 2,000 individuals across the UK, uncovering a significant gender disparity; 66% of those unable to contain their emotions were women, compared to just 34% of men.
Among the younger workforce, emotional expression is notably more prevalent. Gen Z leads the statistics with 34% acknowledging tears at work, closely followed by Millennials at 27%. In contrast, Gen X and Boomers reported far fewer incidences, with only 16% and 7% respectively admitting to such emotional displays.
The research delves into various reasons behind workplace tears, identifying stress as the primary factor, which affects 55% of crying individuals. Burnout remains a significant issue, compelling nearly 27% of the nation to tears. Additionally, the nature of work itself and job loss are formidable emotional triggers, with 15% and 14% of respondents respectively finding these sufficient to provoke tears.
Particularly high rates of tears were observed in certain professions, including education, health care, and social assistance. Women, again, faced more pronounced burnout-induced tears, with 73% experiencing this compared to 27% of men. The data also pointed out that those employed for wages were substantially more affected by burnout than their self-employed counterparts, 68% to 7%.
Despite past stigma surrounding public displays of emotion, current attitudes are shifting. Sonal Thakrar, an Integrative Psychotherapist, explains, “Attitudes towards crying are changing and the real change is shaped by our personal beliefs.” This societal evolution is supported by the fact that only 10% of individuals judge those who cry, and merely 26% believe public crying to be unacceptable.
The study concludes that workplace tears are prevalent, and societal attitudes towards them are gradually changing.
