What you should and shouldn’t share with your colleagues

WE SPEND so much time with our colleagues it’s easy to fall into the trap of oversharing. So what are the dos-and-don’ts of sharing in the office?

Actors Alec Baldwin (L) and Tina Fey in scene from TV show '30 Rock', Episode 103 'Jack the Writer'. Pic Barbara Nitke/NBC.

TMI. We’ve all had those moments when a colleague has really just overshared all the lurid details of his Saturday night. You know the type.

And every now and then, you think that you might be that guy.

Here’s a rundown of what you should and shouldn’t share at work — no matter how big or small your workplace.

According to Max Coaching career coach Jane Lowder, a good of rule of thumb when you’re sharing anything at work is ask yourself if you would be happy for the boss to tell everyone at the next staff meeting.

IDEAS — Do

Ms Lowder said you should share ideas in the workplace: “Keeping your ideas to yourself for fear that someone else will ‘steal’ them can backfire, according to the Academy of Management Journal. Sharing ideas adds to the creative and showcases your talents.”

With workplaces increasingly more team-based, your ideas will lift everyone up, which is sure to impress the bosses come review time. There’s also a real monetary benefit to working together. A Deloitte and Google report found collaboration is worth $46 billion to the Australian economy.

GOSSIP — Don’t

There are few people who could say their ears don’t perk up when they hear a bit of juicy gossip being shared in the next cubicle. But don’t drag yourself down into the muck. It’s not nice to talk about people behind their back, and in a lot of cases, the information isn’t even true. It’s that old adage of “do unto others”.

Ms Lowder said: “Gossip destroys trust and undermines your credibility in the workplace.”

ACHIEVEMENTS — Do

This isn’t about mastering the humble brag without being called out for being a humble bragger.

Ms Lowder said: “Some people keep their achievements under wraps for fear of appearing arrogant, and then are disappointed when others overtake them for promotion. A common mistake is to assume your boss knows everything that you’re accomplishing in your role. The truth is, they’re often too busy themselves to stay across all that you’re doing, so it’s important that you keep them appraised.”

SALARY — Don’t

Whether or not you divulge your salary to a colleague is an age-old debate with supporters on both sides. On the one hand, those on the pro side argue salary transparency will lead to fairer remuneration, especially for women who as a group are often paid less than men for the same work.

But on the other hand, sharing your salary with co-workers can lead to resentment and disrupt the harmony of the office.

“In most instances, sharing your salary is a bad idea,” Ms Lowder said. “You risk inciting jealousy or damaging relationships and morale if you are paid more than them for doing a similar role.

“One exception to this can be where you suspect a colleague is underpaid and want to support them in applying for a raise. Sharing a precedent can help them build their case.”

DRINKS AND A NIGHT OUT — Do

There’s nothing quite like clinging glasses at the pub after work on a Friday afternoon. Team bonding is valuable for both the employees and the company, contributing to a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. But just know where the line is.

“Interpersonal and teamwork skills consistently rank in the top 10 of what employers look for when both hiring and promoting employees,” said Ms Lowder. “Socialising with your team and co-workers is a key facet of these skills, and depending on where you draw the line in your social behaviour, can either help build or break your career prospects in an organisation.

“On the plus side, a fun night out with your co-workers can strengthen relationships, create opportunities and enhance your reputation.

“Where things come undone is when people let their hair down a little too far.”

PERSONAL INFORMATION — Do, but mostly don’t

Letting co-workers know a bit more of your life will help humanise you as a person and can build bonds where there are shared interests. But don’t prattle on about your Friday night hook-ups, your relationship breakdown drama or your financial woes. Especially if that talk is being met by someone whose eyes are darting around looking for an exit strategy out of the conversation.

Ms Lowder said: “Too much personal information can reflect poorly on your professionalism, and can be uncomfortable to listen to so may be isolating as people can start avoiding you.”