Why Crying Is Actually Good For Business
Crying is often viewed as a sign of weakness in the business world, but what if we told you that shedding a few tears can actually be beneficial for both individuals and organizations?
In fact, if you knew the science behind those tears, you might even consider shedding a few tears a competitive advantage.
Research has shown that crying has a range of positive effects on our mental health, emotional well-being, and even our job performance.
According to a study published in the journal Hormones and Behavior, tears contain stress hormones such as cortisol, as well as endorphins and other chemicals that can affect our mood and behavior. The study found that crying can have a calming effect on our bodies and minds, which can help to reduce stress and improve our ability to cope with difficult situations.
Another study published in the journal Motivation and Emotion found that crying can improve social support, which in turn can lead to better job performance. The study found that when people cried in front of others, they were more likely to receive emotional support and assistance from their coworkers, which helped to reduce stress and improve job satisfaction.
So let’s talk about it.
Crying and Emotional Release
Crying is a natural response to emotions such as sadness, frustration, and even joy. It is a form of emotional release that allows us to process and cope with our feelings. According to research, crying can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve our mood. In fact, a study conducted by the University of South Florida found that crying can help to regulate our emotions and make us feel better overall.
I’m sure there are a few people reading who have said the words ‘I just needed a good cry!’
Crying and Social Connection
Crying can also help to strengthen our social connections. When we cry in front of others, it signals that we trust and feel comfortable with them, which can increase feelings of intimacy and closeness. This is why crying can often bring people closer together and create a sense of shared empathy.
Have you ever seen a business owner share those really sh*t days on social media? Like actually talk on their stories while in the moment crying… or share a photo from a breakdown? How did that make you feel? Did you feel more connected with them? The science says yes.
Crying and Job Performance
While it may seem counterintuitive, crying can actually improve our job performance. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who cried at work reported feeling less stressed and more supported by their colleagues. They were also perceived as more trustworthy, approachable, and empathetic by their coworkers.
According to Professor Ad Vingerhoets, a psychologist at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, "Crying can have a positive effect on a person's behavior and interactions with others, which can be particularly useful in the workplace."
If I’m being completely honest with you guys, I cry roughly once a month (if you know what I mean), and that day, my life and business is usually ending…. but the transformation and clarity I get from letting the tears flow is insane. I used to try and hold it in, but now I know the power of just letting it all out. My partner is used to it too now!
- Danielle Lewis, CEO, Scrunch
Using Crying to Your Advantage
So how can you use crying to your advantage in business? Here are a few tips:
Don't be afraid to show emotion. It's okay to cry, and it's okay to show vulnerability. This can help to build trust and strengthen your relationships with your team.
Know when and where to cry. While crying can be beneficial, it's important to choose the right time and place to do so. Crying in a meeting or in front of a client may not be appropriate, so it's important to find a private space where you can let your emotions out.
Use crying as a tool for connection. If a coworker or employee is upset, showing empathy and understanding by shedding a few tears yourself can help to build trust and create a sense of shared experience.
As Professor Ad Vingerhoets once said, "Crying is not a sign of weakness, but a human response to stress, frustration, and sadness. We should embrace it, not hide it."
Overall, while the science behind why crying can improve job performance is still being explored, research suggests that crying can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase social support, all of which can contribute to better job performance. By embracing our emotions and allowing ourselves to cry when needed, we can improve our well-being and create stronger, more supportive relationships in business.
So let it out ladies!
Sources:
Gelstein, S., Yeshurun, Y., Rozenkrantz, L., Shushan, S., Frumin, I., Roth, Y., & Sobel, N. (2011). Human tears contain a chemosignal. Science, 331(6014), 226-230.
Rottenberg, J., Ray, R. D., & Gross, J. J. (2007). Emotion elicitation using films. Handbook of emotion elicitation and assessment, 9, 41-54.
Van Kleef, G. A., Homan, A. C., Finkenauer, C., Blaker, N. M., & Finkel, E. J. (2012). Is crying a self‐centered expression of sadness? Psychological Science, 23(3), 267-269.
Van Kleef, G. A., Homan, A. C., Beersma, B., Van Knippenberg, D., Van Knippenberg, B., & Damen, F. (2010). Searing sentiment or cold calculation? The effects of leader emotional displays on team performance depend on follower epistemic motivation. Academy of Management Journal, 53(6), 1007-1023.
