Here are 8 things you should always keep private when at work, according to experts

From the Personal Branding Blog

Workplaces are social environments, but that doesn’t mean everything about your life should be an open book. Sure, building connections with colleagues is important—but oversharing the wrong details can backfire.

There’s a fine line between being authentic and revealing too much. Some things are best kept private, not just to maintain professionalism but also to protect your reputation and future opportunities.

So, what exactly should you keep to yourself? According to experts, these are the eight things you should always keep private at work.

1) Your salary and financial details

Money is a tricky subject, especially in the workplace. It might be tempting to share how much you’re making—whether you’re proud of a raise or frustrated about being underpaid—but talking about your salary can create unnecessary tension.

Coworkers may start comparing paychecks, which can lead to resentment and awkward dynamics. Plus, discussing financial struggles or bragging about bonuses could change how others perceive you, for better or worse.

Experts say it’s best to keep this information private. If you have concerns about your pay, bring them up with your manager or HR—not the breakroom.

2) Your job search or career plans

A few years ago, I made the mistake of casually mentioning to a coworker that I was thinking about looking for a new job. At the time, I didn’t think much of it—we were friends, and I trusted them.

But word travels fast in an office. Before I knew it, my manager started treating me differently, and I could tell they were questioning my loyalty. Even though I hadn’t officially applied anywhere yet, the damage was done.

Since then, I’ve learned to keep my career plans to myself until the right moment. If you’re job hunting or considering a career change, it’s best to stay quiet about it at work. You never know how that information might get around—or how it could impact your current role.

3) Your honest opinions about coworkers

Venting about a difficult coworker might feel good in the moment, but it can come back to haunt you. Office gossip has a way of spreading, and once your words are out there, you can’t take them back.

Studies have shown that people who engage in workplace gossip are often perceived as less trustworthy—even by the very people they confide in. No matter how close you are to someone at work, there’s always a risk that what you say will get back to the wrong person.

If you have real concerns about a colleague’s behavior, it’s better to address them professionally or speak with a manager. Otherwise, it’s best to keep your true thoughts to yourself.

4) Your political and religious beliefs

Few topics spark debate as quickly as politics and religion. What starts as a casual conversation can easily turn into a heated argument, creating tension that lingers long after the discussion ends.

In a professional setting, these personal beliefs can unintentionally affect how colleagues perceive and interact with you. Even if you think you’re having a harmless discussion, you never know who might feel uncomfortable or take offense.

It’s not about hiding who you are—it’s about maintaining a work environment where relationships are based on respect and collaboration, not personal differences.

5) Your past workplace drama

I’ve worked in places where office politics were a daily battle, and I’ll admit—it was tempting to vent about my old job when I started somewhere new. But I quickly realized that talking too much about past workplace drama only made me look unprofessional.

Complaining about former bosses or coworkers can make people wonder what you’ll say about them if you ever leave. No one wants to work with someone who seems to carry negativity from job to job.

Instead of focusing on bad past experiences, I’ve learned to keep the conversation positive. A fresh start is exactly that—a chance to move forward without dragging old baggage with you.

6) Your work accomplishments

It might seem like sharing your achievements at work would help build your reputation, but constantly talking about your successes can actually have the opposite effect.

While confidence is important, people are naturally drawn to those who are humble and let their work speak for itself. If you’re always highlighting your wins, coworkers may see it as bragging rather than genuine success.

The best way to gain respect isn’t by telling everyone how great you are—it’s by consistently delivering results and allowing others to recognize your contributions on their own.

7) Your personal life struggles

We all go through tough times, and having supportive coworkers can make the workday a little easier. But there’s a difference between sharing small personal details and unloading deep personal struggles in a professional setting.

Opening up too much about serious issues—whether it’s financial trouble, relationship problems, or family drama—can change how colleagues and managers perceive you. Instead of seeing you as reliable and capable, they may start to view you as distracted or emotionally overwhelmed.

It’s okay to be authentic, but be mindful of boundaries. If you need support, close friends or a trusted mentor outside of work are often better outlets than coworkers.

8) Your resentment toward your job

Everyone has bad days at work, but constantly complaining about your job—or worse, your boss—can be career-damaging. Even if you think you’re only venting to a trusted coworker, negativity has a way of spreading, and it can quickly shape how others perceive you.

Managers notice attitude just as much as performance, and if you’re vocal about your dissatisfaction, you could be passed over for promotions or new opportunities.

If you’re truly unhappy, the best move isn’t to complain—it’s to either find solutions or start looking for something better.

Why privacy at work matters

If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably realized that keeping certain things private at work isn’t about being secretive—it’s about being smart.

Workplaces are built on relationships, and the way you handle personal information can shape how others see you, trust you, and ultimately, how far you go in your career.

Knowing what to share and what to keep to yourself isn’t just about professionalism. It’s about protecting your reputation, maintaining control over your narrative, and ensuring that your work speaks louder than anything else.

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