Oversharing at Work

What is Oversharing?

Oversharing is often a rush of sudden, impulsive desire for connection, often driven by nervousness or overwhelm. It can feel like “word vomit,” sometimes leaving you feeling regretful and making you and others uncomfortable. It’s common when people have a lack of a healthy filter to gauge what is appropriate for a specific audience or environment.

What Does Oversharing Sound Like?

Revealing overly personal details, emotions, or opinions that make coworkers uncomfortable or compromise your professional reputation are all considered oversharing. When it builds a rapport with your coworkers, it’s healthy. If the focus shifts to private drama, polarizing topics, or inappropriate vulnerabilities – it’s time to draw the line.

Oversharing sounds like:

“My stomach has been killing me all morning, and the doctor thinks it’s either an ulcer or a parasite. I had the grossest diarrhea before I left the house…”

“I am so stressed about rent this month. Between my credit card debt and my car payment, I literally have $15 in my checking account until we get paid.”

“I’m so hungover from that bar crawl on Sunday. I ended up taking five shots of tequila and didn’t get to bed until 4 a.m.”

“Can you believe what Sarah said in the meeting? She always acts like she’s the boss. Honestly, I can’t stand working with her.”