Reading for Wellness - It's Always Personal: Emotion in the New Workplace

Crybaby.

That’s what we’re called if we dare to cry out in the big wide world of public space. Starting in elementary school, our slow social conditioning is solidly engrained when we enter the workplace as adults.

But isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be? Work is for work—efficiency, productivity, objectivity—not some big touchy-feely therapy sesh, right?

Not quite, according to Anne Kreamer in It’s Always Personal: Emotion in the New Workplace, inspired by the author’s experience of crying at work. With candour and common sense backed by the latest research, Kreamer reminds us that we cry because we’re human. Even at work. Maybe especially at work, where our hopes and dreams rub up against everybody else’s personalities and convictions.

So why the denial?

Kreamer offers multiple answers and compelling evidence for why it’s maladaptive. Without suggesting we turn our workplaces into a big endless puppy pile love-in, she urges us to consider the hard data. Women now comprise the majority of employees, post-secondary graduates, and managers. Changing gender demographics at work change social norms. Why keep pretending? Why not use this information as an asset?

Reading It’s Always Personal will revolutionize how you think about emotion at work. If you’re looking for strategies to make your workplace a more collaborative, supportive place this is your go-to guide.

Then go let the Kleenex box to do its job.

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Michelle Superle writes books plus other stuff and earns a living teaching people how to do it too. She gets her wellness on by running around with the lovely human male, charming dog, and beautiful horses she lives with.