Unlock Your Job Hunt: Avoid These Surprising Taboos!
The Honest Truth: Navigating Workplace Honesty is No Easy Task
OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A staggering 57% of job seekers across the U.S. feel that their coworkers often miss the mark on when and where to be honest in the workplace. This disconnect about the unspoken rules of workplace honesty is mirrored by an alarming 47% of hiring managers, who agree that their teams frequently struggle with knowing when to speak up.
According to a recent survey by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll, the stakes are high, especially for younger workers. An overwhelming 91% of hiring managers stress the importance of grasping the subtleties of workplace honesty for younger generations, with nearly half strongly agreeing.
However, it’s not just honesty where employees stumble—many job seekers pinpoint behaviors that can be deemed “too honest.” Sharing personal information (65%), whether it’s their own (53%) or that of a colleague (49%), gossiping (54%), critiquing coworkers or the company (53%), and venting frustrations (52%) are all viewed as dangerous pitfalls of excessive honesty. Such missteps can tarnish reputations and disrupt workplace harmony, amplifying the need for clearer guidance and resources.
Taboo Confessions: What Not to Do at Work
Beyond honesty woes, job seekers harbor taboos that are more about irresponsible behavior than mere truthfulness. The leading taboos include getting intoxicated during work hours (74%), having a drink on the job (65%), using recreational drugs while working (65%), gossiping about colleagues (51%), spreading rumors about managers (51%), and dating someone in a position of power (52%).
Generational perspectives also influence how these taboos are viewed. Baby Boomers and Gen X workers are more likely than their younger counterparts to perceive certain actions as taboo—things like drinking at work (82% and 88% vs. 69% and 68% for Gen Z and Millennials, respectively) and using drugs during work hours (76% and 81% vs. 63% and 57%).
Interestingly, the most commonly confessed taboos are surprisingly relatable. Swearing at work (45%), personal phone calls or social media use during work hours (42%), discussing wages (33%), and even shedding a tear at the office (29%) are some of the everyday challenges employees face!
“In today’s more casual workplaces, heartfelt honesty is appreciated, but professionalism remains key,” asserts the CEO of Express Employment Professionals. “It’s all about finding that sweet spot where openness and respect can thrive together, creating a comfortable environment for all.”
