Unlock Your Job Hunt: Avoid These US Job-Seeking Taboos!
When Honesty Goes Awry: The Workplace Dilemma
OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Have you ever wondered how much honesty is too much in the workplace? Well, you’re not alone! A staggering fifty-seven percent of job seekers across the U.S. report that their colleagues often seem lost when it comes to knowing the right moments to be candid. And it’s not just the employees who are confused; nearly half of hiring managers (47%) echo these sentiments, highlighting a widespread struggle with workplace communication norms.
For younger workers, the pressure is even more intense. A whopping 91% of hiring managers believe it’s essential for the younger generation to grasp the fine art of honesty in the workplace, with nearly half (48%) strongly advocating this notion.
Yet, honesty isn’t the only minefield job seekers navigate. Many report that co-workers can be “too honest,” with 65% pointing to the dangers of oversharing personal information, whether it’s their own (53%) or someone else’s (49%). Gossiping (54%), critiquing colleagues (53%), and venting frustrations (52%) are all pitfalls of excessive honesty that can damage reputations and disrupt workplace harmony. There’s a clear call for better guidance and resources!
Taboo Confessions
But honesty isn’t the only concern. Workers also grapple with a set of taboos linked to irresponsible behavior. The most significant workplace faux pas include getting drunk at work (74%), having a drink on the job (65%), and using recreational drugs while on the clock (65%). Gossiping about colleagues (51%) and dating a boss (52%) also rank high on the list of no-nos.
Generational differences further complicate perceptions of these taboos. Baby boomers and Gen Xers are more likely than their younger counterparts to consider certain actions unacceptable. For example, 82% of Gen X and 88% of boomers deem drinking at work as taboo, compared to just 69% of Gen Z and 68% of millennials. Similarly, the perspectives on drug use and gossip vary significantly across age groups.
Interestingly, the most frequent taboos job seekers admit to are surprisingly relatable. Swearing at work (45%), making personal calls during work hours (42%), discussing pay (33%), and even shedding a tear in the office (29%) paint a vivid picture of the everyday struggles we all face at work.
“Even as workplaces evolve into more casual settings, maintaining professionalism is key,” says the CEO of Express Employment International. “Striking a balance between openness and respect is crucial to fostering a comfortable environment for everyone.”
Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 16 and June 3, 2024, among 1,003 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from May 28 to June 10, 2024, among 1,002 adults aged 18 and older.
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About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re dedicated to empowering people. From job seekers to businesses, we help people soar and companies flourish. Our extensive network of franchises provides localized staffing solutions across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing hundreds of thousands globally. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
