Should you keep your personal life private at work?

Elisa (No)

While many recommend keeping their personal life private at work, that can actually have negative consequences in the long run. Since there is no such thing as true privacy in the digital age, people should set their own narrative in the workplace and control the information put out about them. 

For one, sometimes your colleagues or employers need to know the personal situations you are going through, especially if it's a crisis. If you are too private, they may not fully believe you when a problem happens. There could even be a time when your safety at home is being threatened, and your workplace is the only place you can reach out for help. Unfortunately, a manager can assume negative things about you if they do not know what you are going through. In certain circumstances, it’s best to be honest with your colleagues about your personal issues. 

Chances are, most of your colleagues are aware and sympathetic to the fact that people suffer through personal problems, anyway. We should create an environment where addressing problems in one's personal life is normalized, creating a “safe space” for people to share their issues without consequence.

Of course, you do not need to overshare, but it’s good to share the fundamentals, especially if there are changes in your behavior at work, such as missing things due to doctor’s appointments or increased stress. Keeping people in the loop will make them less suspicious of your work performance, and people may even volunteer to help out.

A workplace can be like a family if done right, and it is best to control the narrative of your life and then let others control information about you because they will likely find out anyway, through gossip, social media, or otherwise.  

Bre (Yes)

Keeping your personal life private is definitely a wise decision, not just at work but in general. It’s good practice in life to set healthy boundaries in order to reduce unwanted stress and protect yourself (and those close to you) from avoidable social, professional, and personal issues.

Keeping your work and personal matters separate contributes to a positive work-life balance, which is essential to everyone’s well-being and mental health. In fact, separation can make managing both sides easier. And without added pressure to impress others or be inauthentic, one can enjoy a more anxiety-free existence.

With little to no spillover—from both the employee's personal and professional world—that means there is less opportunity for unpleasant misunderstandings and conflicts on either side. Moreover, sharing less personal information—both at work and in life—helps keep you and your loved ones physically safe from threats, as well as emotionally protected from gossip.

Additionally, keeping a private personal life is ideal for upholding a presentable and professional work reputation, thus increasing the likelihood of career opportunities and advancements. For instance, over two-thirds of employers look at employees’ social media profiles, and more than half consider them in hiring decisions. Data also suggests that avoiding working extra hours facilitates improved productivity.

People who make their professional and personal dividing lines clear are simply being responsible while demonstrating respect for a work culture that values privacy. This way, it’s easier to prioritize and devote oneself entirely to professional and personal matters when needed.