July 31st 2024.
We've all been there - that moment when the pressure becomes too much and we just need to let it all out. Whether it's a harsh scolding from our boss or simply a tough day at work, the tears start to well up and we have to fight to keep them at bay. And let's be real, who hasn't taken a quick trip to the office bathroom for a good cry?
But for some, crying at work is a regular occurrence. In certain industries, it's almost expected. A recent study by Vision Direct revealed that over a third of Brits have cried at work in the past year, with stress being the main trigger for 55% of them. Out of 2,000 employees surveyed, 27% attributed burnout as the cause of their tears, while 15% said their job itself was enough to bring them to tears.
Interestingly, the study also showed that women are more likely to cry at work than men, with two thirds of those who have cried in front of their colleagues being female. Women are also three times more likely to cry due to burnout compared to men. As for age, Gen Z was found to be the most likely group to get teary in the workplace, while only 7% of Boomers reported doing so.
But it's not just gender and age that play a role in workplace tears. The study also found that certain jobs are more likely to induce crying, as employees who are overworked or undervalued are more prone to breaking down. Teachers and those in the education field topped the list, followed by workers in healthcare, hospitality, and construction. These industries are often characterized by low pay and high levels of stress, making it understandable for the emotional strain to manifest physically.
However, the good news is that crying at work does not necessarily negatively impact how others perceive you. Only 26% of people believe that it's not okay to cry in public, and just 10% admitted to judging someone who is crying. This aligns with the changing perception that crying is a sign of weakness. According to integrative psychotherapist Sonal Thakrar, it's time to let go of the old stereotype and embrace the fact that crying is a natural human response.
"People often apologize for crying, but I believe it's time to stop saying sorry for expressing our emotions," she says. In fact, there are benefits to letting it all out. "Crying can provide relief and release pain," Sonal explains. "Research shows that when we cry, our brain releases endorphins and oxytocin, which can help us feel calmer and more relieved."
And the survey results speak for themselves, with nearly half of respondents admitting to feeling calmer after crying and an equal number reporting feeling relieved. So whether you find solace in the privacy of the office cleaning cupboard or save your tears for your lunch break, don't feel pressured to keep your emotions bottled up. After all, crying is a natural and healthy part of the human experience.
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