How your choice of partner affects your success at work

IF YOU’RE looking for a pay rise or promotion at work, find yourself a partner that has this one desirable and very beneficial quality.

JULY, 2001 : Actors Matt Perry & Courtney Cox in TV show "Friends", 07/01. Cox/Actor Perry/Actor

WE all know we have to be careful when picking a long-term partner — there are so many things to consider.

Are they funny? Do they snore? Will you be able to stand each others’ TV viewing habits?

However, what you should’ve been looking for is a partner who is conscientious. You know the word — it often appeared on your school report card from a teacher who probably didn’t know you well enough to write something actually constructive. But someone who is thorough, careful and vigilant is who you want as a partner if you want to get paid more at work.

A study from the Washington University in the US analysed data from Australian couples to find something fascinating — that the more conscientious your partner is, the more successful you are at work.

The study investigated a person’s job outcomes (job satisfaction, income and likelihood of being promoted) against five characteristics exhibited by their partner (extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, conscientiousness and openness).

The researchers even put a dollar figure on it. For each standard deviation above the mean conscientiousness in a partner, you’re likely to earn $US4000 more. If your partner is very conscientious, expect an extra $US8000. Those with extremely conscientious partners are also 50 per cent more likely to get promoted than those with extremely unconscientious partners, according to Harvard Business Review.

Amy from Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the very definition of conscientious.

The study’s authors, Brittany C. Solomon and Joshua J. Jackson, wrote: “Our findings indicate that highly conscientious partners help improve their spouses’ occupational success, as measured by job satisfaction, income and promotion. This benefit does not arise from partners doing their spouses’ work; rather, it is due to partners creating conditions that allow their spouses to work more effectively.”

Ms Soloman and Mr Jackson said the reason conscientious partners benefit their partners is because they create a less stressful environment at home. This is done through the conscientious partner taking on more of the housework, thereby freeing up someone to perform better at work, as well as having fewer relationship strains in general. A person also benefits from a conscientious partner by taking on some of those conscientious traits themselves.

This held true for both men and women.

So next time you’re on a date, don’t just check off the standard desirable qualities. Add ‘conscientious’ to your list. Your career will thank you for it.

Originally published as How your choice of partner affects your success at work