The art of sharing personal information with colleagues

When you spend a significant portion of your day in the office, it is essential that the workplace environment is friendly and you are on good terms with your colleagues.

Working with empathetic coworkers can boost productivity, focus, collaboration, and also cultivate a positive outlook on the daily commute.

However, "too much of anything is poison," and this holds true for understanding how things function in an office.

Assisting individuals in need is commendable, but it's best to let experts handle complex issues such as relationships, family conflicts, and finances. Also, releasing personal medical information can jeopardise workplace privacy and security, just as discussing health issues can encourage thoughtful consideration.

While getting along with coworkers is generally positive, it's important to exercise caution while sharing information with them. A friendly chat will help break the monotony but it is best to refrain from sharing overly personal details.

I regret to inform you, but criticising or complaining about other workers carries implications. And I learned it the bitter way after I shared something about the senior management to a colleague and by the time it reached others through the office grapevine, it was completely blown out of proportion.

I became aware that sometimes, confiding too much in friends can lead to negative consequences.

Initiating a conversation with coworkers by expressing gratitude or admiration for their work helps foster an atmosphere of appreciation. However, it's best to avoid intricate discussions about individual salaries, bonuses, or benefits.

Such interactions often leave individuals feeling angered or frustrated, which can undermine professional relationships and raise moral questions. Also, harsh criticism should not be encouraged during any conversation.

False accusations, which can happen when someone is talking behind another person, may tarnish a person's reputation. Therefore, maintaining a healthy balance when discussing intellectual, religious, and political matters is crucial.

While it's admirable to be open about one's opinions, attempting to impose one's strong beliefs on others can lead to hostility and conflict. Protecting individual ideas helps professional groups maintain credibility and reduces heated disagreements.

Even though our personal and professional spheres may seem distinct, they eventually intersect. In most cases, private information should not be divulged to the public. Assisting individuals in need is commendable, but it's best to let experts handle complex issues such as relationships, family conflicts, and finances.

Also, releasing personal medical information can jeopardise workplace privacy and security, just as discussing health issues can encourage thoughtful consideration.

Moreover, derogatory remarks or backhanded attacks on coworkers can harm the sense of community.

Bringing up someone's past mistakes or misdeeds in the workplace can damage their reputation, creating an environment of uncertainty and skepticism. Therefore, disclosing sensitive information must be done with utmost caution.

Maintaining a workplace filled with respect and decency requires thorough examinations of employee interactions. It is crucial to always exhibit respect for others.

Moreover, instances of sexual harassment, including direct and indirect advances, must be swiftly dealt with as such behaviours go against any industry standard.

When coworkers are encouraged to collaborate, their relationships flourish. However, one can avoid the pitfalls of excessive indulgence if they try.

The author is a senior finance professional