Why are offices/work so serious?
I work in an office from retail and I was so shocked at how serious everything is, stupid things like not talking too much and not being friends with colleagues.
I got a lecture from a supervisor because I said thank you with a gif over teams and then today got another one because I was talking over the desk and told that I shouldn't be making friends at work. My work also has a ban on relationships.
Surely this cannot be the universal experience of work in an office?
I want to make clear I get my work done, I have never missed a deadline and I won an award last year for outstanding contribution, so it's not a skill issue. I would get it if it was bad for my work, but me and work friends are great workers and we get stuff done.
I know people will use arguments of you need to remain professional, but there's a line and too professional is a thing. I get being professional infront of clients and investors, but it all just feels so performative and fake and not the kind of life I want to be living to be honest.
Life is far too short to be caring about stupid stuff like that.
Am I alone on this? Am I going against the grain or does everyone feel it but do nothing about it?