New research from CMI shows that the British find it harder to ask their boss for a pay rise than dump a partner. Everyone has difficult conversations but, by their very nature, no-one wants to have to deal with them. And this is especially true when it comes to difficult conversations in the workplace.
Research from CMI has revealed that the British find it easier to dump a partner than ask their boss for a pay rise. When asked about what they found it hardest to talk about, 33% said talking about pay at work made it onto their list, while only 17% included relationship break-ups on their list of most difficult conversations.
The Tricky 10 – Britain’s most difficult conversations occur in the workplace
- Pay packets – 33%
- Inappropriate behaviour in the workplace – 31%
- Feedback on poor performance – 30%
- Promotions – 23%
- Sex – 19%
- Relationship break ups – 17%
- Family relationships – 16%
- Money – 16%
- Health – 15%
- Letting someone go from a job – 10%
But with more than half of workers saying they deal with a difficult conversation at least once a month, why are workplace conversations so hard to deal with?
Petra Wilton, director of strategy and external affairs at CMI, said it’s because managers do not have the support or training needed to deal with difficult work-based conversations.
“Our survey findings reveal that difficult conversations are really taking their toll on workers,” she said. “When it comes to our home life we often rely on friends and family to support us with tricky discussions. At work, with no advice or training, it can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield.
“It’s no wonder 61% of people told us they would like to learn how to manage workplace conversations with more confidence.”
