A recent study reveals the pervasive emotional struggle within the workplace, highlighting that more than a third of Brits have cried at work in the past year.
- The survey, conducted by Vision Direct, involved 2,000 individuals across the UK and found a higher likelihood of crying amongst women compared to men.
- Stress, burnout, and work-related factors are significant triggers, affecting predominantly younger generations.
- Education, healthcare, and social assistance sectors face the highest burnout-induced tears.
- Despite stereotypes, societal attitudes towards crying in the workplace are changing.
A recent survey conducted by Vision Direct highlights a significant emotional challenge faced by employees across the UK. Over a third of the 2,000 participants admitted to crying at work within the past year, with women notably more affected, comprising 66% of those who reported shedding tears at their workplace. Men accounted for 34% of this demographic. This finding underscores the gender disparities in emotional expression at work, with societal and possible organisational factors playing roles.
The study elaborates on the reasons behind these emotional breakdowns, pinpointing stress as a primary catalyst. More than half of the respondents attributed their tears to stress-related causes. Additionally, burnout was identified as a critical factor, with 27% of the surveyed individuals citing workplace burnout as a reason for their tears. These emotional responses are more prevalent among younger employees, with Gen Z and Millennials more likely to cry at work than their Gen X and Boomer counterparts. The data suggests a generational shift in how workplace stress is internalised and expressed.
Within the professional landscape, certain sectors are particularly affected. Employees in education, healthcare, and social assistance report higher incidences of crying due to burnout. This finding indicates that those in caregiving and service-oriented professions may face unique stressors that exacerbate emotional distress. Furthermore, the survey notes a disparity between employed individuals and self-employed ones, with the former nearly ten times more likely to experience tears related to burnout. This discrepancy points to systemic issues within structured employment that may not impact self-employed individuals to the same extent.
Changing societal perceptions about crying in the workplace are also noteworthy. Historically viewed as a sign of weakness, only a minority of respondents now perceive public crying negatively. Sonal Thakrar, an Integrative Psychotherapist, suggests that crying is a normal, physiological response that facilitates emotional release. Almost half of those surveyed reported feeling calmer and relieved post-crying, aligning with research that links crying to the release of endorphins and oxytocin, confirming its role as a stress reliever.
The study sheds light on the emotional challenges faced by UK employees, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and support in workplace environments.
