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 . A University of Sheffield study claims friendly staff receive lower wages than their less agreeable colleagues . 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 . Friendly staff are often reluctant to push for pay rises , too focused on team work and overly concerned about being liked , according to the study . '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 . ' The study was presented at the Royal Economic Society 's 2015 annual conference in Manchester yesterday by Ana Nuevo-Chiquero , of The University of Sheffield , who conducted the research alongside Australian and Spanish academics . They analysed the personalities and productivity levels of students at the University of New South Wales in laboratory conditions , and analysed a host of academic reports on personality and wages . It found that , while conscientious and emotionally stable workers earn more money , being too open could harm your career . While openness with colleagues indicated an artistic , curious and imaginative worker , it could make them less likely to obey the rules , which could cause problems at a formal workplace . Neuroticism , which researchers linked to mood swings and unpredictability , also impacted performance as these workers often lacked self-confidence and were insecure .
Study found friendly staff receive lower wages than unpleasant colleagues . They are often reluctant to push for pay rise and too focused on team work . the Royal Economic Society 's researchers looked at impact of personality traits .