Is Getting Personal a Bad Thing?

The revelation to this question is not at all surprising as the answer would be both, yes and no. There are definitely pros and cons to reaching a personal level with your colleagues, so how do you know when some information is too much information? HRMatrix does not want to limit you with technical advice, we want to guide you through the social boundaries and benefits, and involve you successfully. 

Your social life in the workplace is a rudimentary HR concern, however its priority depends on the context. When nearing conflict, yes, the subject takes precedence. Though we are discussing matters that are short of conflict, they need to be addressed, because so many employees treat their job as a transactional experience that requires no human input, and some abuse the social margin while expelling necessary, job-related effort. So we are here to imply balance. 

Getting personal with a colleague is a good thing. Relationship building is a good thing. It is often encouraged within the new corporate culture to get to know one another, because social connections help inspire S.I.M- sympathy, inspiration, and motivation. This leads to an innovative workplace and quality production as employees share their ideas and help each other build their strengths.

Of course not all scenarios work out this way and that when being too personal might be a bad thing. This may be an offensive strike to you at the moment, because we are suggesting limitations against you socially, but this is purely for your benefit. We want you to create your social boundaries in accordance to productive expectations that are most relevant to your job. 


How to Identify

You are encouraged to share your interests, your positive experiences, and even your struggles, but remember that these conversations can compromise your work schedule and you do not want to forfeit your efforts for a conversation that can take place outside of the workplace. 

On the other hand, you will have an easier time identifying social limitations when someone else is abusing them. Ask yourself if the answer to any of your colleague’s questions have anything to do with their business, if not, it’s too personal. They might ask about your home life or judge your choices by prying into certain subjects. It is obvious they are overstepping boundaries. 

 

Conclusion

Getting along with your colleagues is a great thing to have in the workplace, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise your comfort zone or compromise someone else’s in order to reach social satisfaction and redeem trust.