Research shows that a quarter of UK workers give away too much in the office

Are you an over or under distributor? Take this quiz to find out – a quarter of UK workers admit to revealing too much in the office.

The poll of 3,000 working adults found that more than half of those willing to open up would say coworkers are an “extension of the family” — and 51 percent feel more attuned to having people with who you can contact. Her weight, struggles with her partner and health issues are some of the issues that the country’s professionals will discuss with their work colleagues.

They also like to talk about their dating life, mental health and money worries. It found that 14 per cent are happy to raise concerns about their health and one in 10 (eight per cent) are willing to talk about deeper issues such as IVF treatment.

The survey, conducted by wellness benefits platform pirkx, found that 33 percent enjoy talking about things at work because it helps them solve their personal dilemmas. In fact, 35 percent agreed that keeping their personal lives to themselves can actually affect their performance and productivity at work.

Dr. Bo van Grinsven, Behavioral Insights consultant, said: “Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong personality type. But there are differences in how people deal with things like worry.

“For some people, it can be a relief to share information about their personal situation at work, let go and then refocus on their work. For others, they use their work as a coping strategy, providing a distraction so that sharing personal concerns will feel like an added burden.”

The survey also found that 75 percent of so-called judgers believe they were not always so outspoken in the office, but became more outspoken over time the longer they worked at the company. According to respondents, it only takes six months to adjust to a new role and feel comfortable talking to colleagues about your personal life.

However, a third would describe themselves as “compartmentalizers”, with 54 percent of them preferring to completely separate work and private life. Although a third of the over-sharers agreed that opening up to colleagues can help them solve their personal problems.

Additionally, 30 percent of those surveyed would like to talk to family members about their money worries, but only 9 percent would prefer to discuss the topic with their boss or supervisor. More than a quarter (26 percent) of all working adults said there are coworkers who know very little about them because they don’t share much about their personal lives.

But 24 percent envy those who feel comfortable enough to open up in a professional setting. And more than a third (34 percent) even believe that sharing is better than anything else because it separates “business from pleasure,” eliminates distractions at work, and builds a sense of respect among your co-workers.

In fact, 34 percent think work is a good distraction from personal problems, and nearly a fifth (19 percent) look forward to work as a way to escape worries at home. But while work is a great escape for many, it can also find its way into personal life, with 43 percent checking email outside of their contracted hours.

According to OnePoll data, 39 percent take calls when not working, while another 31 percent complete tasks in their free time. Therefore, 75 percent think it is important for employers to offer their employees support and benefits packages as a reward for their work (60 percent).

As well as a way to ensure that their personal life is in order so that it does not interfere with their work (43 percent) and to improve productivity (50 percent).

Stella Smith, founder and CEO of Pirkx, said: “This study is a light-hearted look at a very poignant topic. With the lines between personal and professional life blurring more than ever, overcoming both professional and personal challenges can be a constant struggle in an average work day.

“What you discuss with colleagues, if you have any, is a matter of personal choice, but it is interesting to see the diversity of opinions and thoughts on the subject. Most importantly, every working adult, regardless of their industry choice or company size, has access to extensive wellness benefits that can help tackle the juggling act.

“In the past, these benefits were typically a privilege granted only to people working for large organizations, and we hope Pirkx will right this wrong.”

TOP 20 THINGS EMPLOYEES LOVE TO TALK ABOUT WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES:

1. vacation plans
2. Views of TV shows
3. plans for the weekend
4. What I eat for lunch
5. football/sports
6. What I had/wanted to eat for dinner
7. my family
8. my pets)
9. politics
10. Views on the Royal Family
11. Ailments/my health in general
12. problems with my health
13. Your weight
14. previous relationships
15. My child’s development
16. my mental health
17. problems with childcare
18. relationships with my other half
19. money worries
20. dating life