London – They say nice guys finish last. Now, scientists have confirmed there is truth in the old adage – at least when it comes to salaries.
A study claims friendly staff receive lower wages than their less agreeable colleagues.
Despite working just as hard, they are often reluctant to push for pay rises, too focused on team work and overly concerned about being liked.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield made the discovery while looking at the impact of personality traits on workers’ productivity and pay.
Their study found: ‘More agreeable workers tend to earn less in the actual labour market, but their productivity is similar when measured in the laboratory setting.’
They defined agreeableness as being compliant, modest, trustworthy and sympathetic.
The study found women were most likely to show agreeable personality traits, perhaps one reason for the gender pay gap.
Being agreeable made workers more successful in team work, but had three negative effects on their performance.
‘First, helping others may reduce individual productivity,’ the study found. ‘Secondly, agreeable people may be less effective when bargaining their wage. Finally, agreeable individuals may enter less stable, lower paid occupations.’
Daily Mail