Nice employees finish last: agreeable workers “earn less”

Friendlier staff are less likely to receive a higher wage, a study has found.

Researchers at the University of Sheffield looked at the impact of personality traits on workers productivity and pay. They found that “more agreeable workers tend to earn less in the actual labour market, but their productivity is similar when measured in the laboratory setting”.

The study defined agreeableness as being compliant, modest, trustworthy, and sympathetic. Affable employees, despite working just as hard, are often averse to pushing for a pay rise, too concentrated on teamwork, and too worried about being liked.