Fri, 04 Jul 2025

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 Is it OK to cry at work?

After Chancellor Rachel Reeves cried in parliament this week, how acceptable is it to show emotion at work?

* Research suggests that crying at work is more common than people think, with both men and women shedding tears in front of colleagues.
* However, some people still view showing emotion as a weakness rather than a strength.
* Experts believe that emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly valued in the workplace, with employers who show compassion and understanding towards staff being more likely to retain motivated and happy employees.
* Some high-profile figures, including fashion designer Amy Powney and Labour MP Rachel Reeves, have spoken out about the importance of showing emotion at work, with Powney calling it a "superpower".
* However, others believe that crying at work can still be seen as unprofessional, particularly in senior leadership roles.
* A survey by the Chartered Management Institute found that over 200 companies in the UK are adopting flexible working patterns, which could help to reduce stress and increase productivity.
* Research also suggests that some employees are taking more sick days than others, with people from lower socio-economic backgrounds being more likely to take time off due to work-related stress.
  >>