Is it ok to cry in the workplace? | Dean Burnett

Apprentice candidate Charleine Wain recently caused a bit of a stir for crying during a board meeting. Why would this matter? What can prompt people to cry in the workplace, and is it necessarily a bad thing?

Among the thousands of things Apprentice candidates can end up being criticised for, there's being seen to cry. However, although there are plenty of legitimate reasons to have a go at anyone who actively wants to take part in that show, this one doesn't seem fair.

It's Christmas party season right now, the time of year where every workplace decamps to a nearby bar or function room for awkward conversation between colleagues who barely know or actively dislike each other over the sub-par roast dinner. But it's very common for one or more employees to overindulge in the free (or discounted) wine and end up a tearful mess, telling anyone or everyone that their personal life is a huge mess, or that they've always loved Brian from HR.