Ever blurted out something embarrassing or incriminating at work and immediately wished you had a rewind button handy? 

Yeah, we’ve all been there. 

While open communication is (generally) encouraged, there are some topics better left unspoken in the professional arena. 

Psychology tells us these seemingly harmless revelations can have unintended consequences, from damaging your reputation to derailing your career. 

So, before you overshare your way into a workplace faux pas, consider these 10 things best kept to yourself.

Let’s get learning!

1) “I hate my job” talk

We all have bad days, but constantly complaining about your job is a major, major no-no. 

Not only does it paint you in a negative light, but it also creates a toxic atmosphere for your colleagues. 

The term Emotional Contagion aptly covers this spread of ideas, akin to a workplace virus. 

And not only can negatively talking about your workplace quickly get back to those up top, your negativity can also spread faster than office gossip. 

Don’t take this as means to paint everything positively, but try focusing on the positive aspects of your job whilst at work, vent at home, or seek solutions to your problems.

2) Your wild weekend escapades

Wolf of Wall Street is soooo 1990s. 

And whilst that hilarious story about you falling face first off the table during a karaoke mishap might seem harmless, any tales including drink/drugs/misbehavior can quickly backfire.

You might be sharing them in a bid to seem ‘cool’ and ‘down to earth,’ particularly amongst a sea of grey-clad office workers with droll faces, but I promise – these stories aren’t doing you any favors.

Oversharing personal details can blur professional boundaries, making your colleagues see you more as a party pal than a reliable coworker. 

Professional colleagues are just that, and assuming them to be on closer, more friendly terms with you can leave them burdened with information they do not wish to know.

So, keep the weekend-talk to a minimum. Declare you had fun, but leave out the sordid details and keep those juicy bits for your friends!

3) Your next big career jump

While it’s great to have goals, broadcasting your future career plans to become the next CEO might not be the best strategy.

Heck, even broadcasting them to whoever sits next to you can backfire, as this news can quickly travel along the office grapevine and get back to the CEO.

And whilst having big dreams and big goals is something to be proud of, bragging about your ambitions can breed resentment and jealousy among colleagues. 

Plus, it sets you up for disappointment if things don’t go according to plan. 

Instead, focus on demonstrating your capabilities through hard work and let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

4) Deep-seated political beliefs

The workplace, designed for collaboration and productivity, isn’t really the ideal forum for debating the merits of different political ideologies.

These sorts of discussions can quickly escalate into heated arguments with those who fail to share your perspective, creating a hostile environment and leading to negative mental health impacts for those involved.

Moreover, engaging in political debates can distract from the task at hand and hinder productivity. It’s hard to focus on a project when your mind is racing with arguments about the latest news cycle.

Instead of turning the office into a battleground, aim to foster a collaborative atmosphere. 

If you must discuss politics, stick to neutral ground, avoid controversial topics, and be respectful of differing opinions. 

Remember, the goal is to work together, not against each other.

5) Salary discussions

Money matters are hardly ever easy.

On one hand, more open conversations about pay can help level the playing field and address issues like the gender pay gap. 

But on the other hand, broadcasting your income can lead to unnecessary drama and comparisons.

So, aim for the happy medium.

Advocate for fair pay and transparency within your company, but avoid the trap of comparing your earnings to others. It’s a recipe for resentment, ego trips, and even exploitation.

Focus on your progress, not your colleague’s paycheck. 

Through taking this approach, we can gradually work towards a future where we can talk openly about salaries without it turning into a workplace competition.

6) Personal details & health concerns

In our era of digital health trackers and online symptom checkers, it’s easy to overshare medical details. However, remember that your health information is deeply personal and often best kept private.

Oversharing can invite unsolicited advice, misdiagnosis, or even stigma. As psychologist Erving Goffman noted, revealing certain health conditions can lead to negative social labeling, potentially harming your career.

It’s important to remember your health information is confidential. 

While offering support to unwell colleagues is important, be mindful of boundaries. Share only information you’re comfortable disclosing and avoid offering unsolicited medical advice.

Ultimately, striking the right balance between openness and privacy is key. 

Remember, your health is your business, and you’re not obligated to share anything you’re not comfortable with.

7) How much you hate Judy in reception

Gossip might be tempting, but badmouthing coworkers is a career killer. 

You might think that you’re building new connections by badmouthing someone in the middle, but trust me – this approach will only serve to tarnish your own reputation.

Because any form of nasty criticism or gossip reflects poorly only on you.

In addition, feeding the office gossip mill breeds a toxic environment and erodes trust between co-workers. 

Instead, focus on building positive relationships with your colleagues and addressing any conflicts directly and respectfully.

8) Your office romances

While office romances happen, it’s best to keep your love life under wraps. 

Public displays of affection (like smooching beside the water filter) can make others uncomfortable. Rumors about your relationship can be distracting and damaging. 

If you do choose to pursue dating a coworker, maintain professionalism and discretion to avoid any negative consequences.

9) Family soap opera dramatics

Finally, we all have family issues, but airing your dirty laundry at work is unprofessional. 

You may think your coworkers are great go-to’s to whom you can vent about how things are at home, but the reality is that oversharing personal problems can burden your colleagues and make them question your ability to handle stress. 

Plus, no one wants to know about your sex life in the office. I can promise you that!

Keep your family matters private and seek support from friends or professionals outside of work if needed.

10) Side hustles 

While it’s admirable to have entrepreneurial ambitions, discussing your side gigs at work can raise eyebrows. 

So whether you’ve started up a handmade soap business or are applying for kayaking tour guide positions in Costa Rica, keep those to yourself (or to your family/friends.)

Discussing side ventures or future employment plans will only make your employer question your loyalty and commitment to your present job. It could even violate company policies. 

So, as interesting as your side hustle may be, make sure it doesn’t conflict with your work responsibilities; keep it to yourself.

Final words

To wrap it all up, remember, the workplace is a delicate ecosystem. While genuine connections and open communication are vital, some topics are best left unexplored within those walls.

Think of it like this: your work persona is like a carefully curated social media profile. You wouldn’t post every embarrassing detail or vent about your personal life for the world to see, would you?

Similarly, maintaining some boundaries at work protects your professional image and promotes a healthier, more productive environment for everyone.

By being mindful of what you share, you not only safeguard your reputation but also contribute to a positive workplace culture. 

So, next time you’re tempted to overshare, take a deep breath and consider whether that information is truly relevant or beneficial to your professional life. 

Remember, a little discretion can go a long way in building a successful and fulfilling career.