Study: Men More Likely To Cry After Critical Job Performance Review Than Women

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If the daily grind didn't get to us enough, just add a performance evaluation to an employee's packed schedule.

"It's kind of uncomfortable," said Katerina Diakova, in town from Connecticut.

"It's scary to find out exactly where you are," added Tieyara Jones of Maryland.

Few people look forward to critiques, but new research by Adobe suggests men take professional criticism harder than women.

"That is very interesting," said Diakova.

"Women are tougher than men," said Heather Steinmiller of Philadelphia.

After a bad review, 25 percent of men admitted to crying, compared to just 18 percent of women. But, why?

"When were told we're not good, not up to snuff," one traveler started.

"That sort of hits them at a personal level where their worth is attacked in some way," concluded Marcel Vilonel of Philadelphia.

Studies also show men can be over-confident in the workplace, while women report higher levels of self-doubt.

"I think women are more reflective and self-critical than men," explained Steinmiller.

"I think men are more delusional than women. Woman are more realistic.," said Jones.

The same study by Adobe found men are more likely to look for another job or in some cases, quit after a poor review.

And four in 10 workers would prefer a job that didn't have formal evaluations.

"I think continuous feedback would be better," said Diakova.

"I look at it as a way to improve," countered Steinmiller.

Vilonel agreed, saying "You cannot think you're perfect in any position ever or else there's not going to be any growth."

Eighty percent of office workers say they would prefer feedback in the moment, as opposed to waiting for a report once or twice a year.

Researchers at Adobe found many performance reviews were actually counter-productive and demotivating for employees.