A study conducted by researcher Vanessa Pouthier for the Department of Management and Marketing at the University of Melbourne found that laughing with your colleagues, and having a sneaky whinge with them about work, can have wonderful effects on staff morale and relationships.
Vanessa observed the interactions of a group of doctors and nurses at an American hospital for 12 months, and found that the ritual of a whinge helped colleagues understand each other better.
In fact, Vanessa wrote in her report that having a gossip or a whinge at work can help employees process stress and frustration, and can create a bonding experience between colleagues. Furthermore, Vanessa’s observations of the study found that colleagues who have ‘in-jokes’ are able to turn negative experiences or problems into humorous scenarios.
So, the next time you feel guilty about having a whinge with your work-wife, just remember that you’re simply taking care of your mental health – and bonding with your mate.
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The holidays are just around the corner! Have you thought about how to manage holiday stress this year? Watch the video below for stress management tips.
