Is this acceptable in the work environment?

Question

I really hate my job, and my workmates are arbitrary, nit-picking weirdos (freaks). Anyway, I go about doing my job, and do a great job, but our's is such a corporation where we get critiqued weekly, no matter what. Anyway, if I walk in, knowing what kind of harsh environment it is, and a "Jekyll and Hyde" workmate says 'hi' to me, and I don't say anything back (but go about doing a complete and efficient job), am I OK, or can I be reprimanded for being "uncourteous?"

My point is, if they're going to scrutinize even when performance is efficient, I'm not going to do more than come in as a worker. I don't want to be "friends," and I don't want to socialize. It's just weird to do that with people who later on criticize a minute detail when your busting your **** off alreadyl. Is this understandable?

I just wanted to add: This question is based on the idea that the fellow employees are completely unreasonable, and no reaction has been made on my part. My question is, can I "manifest" a reaction in the simple action of just not replying to 'hi?' If I can't, then I can see that the workplace is allowed to grind employees into the ground, and it is little wonder that the term "postal" was coined. It would be absolutely true in this case.

Answer 1

give them that indifferent smirk like charlie brown does when they greet you.soon your co-workers will finally get it and stop bothering you.they just want to make small talk, so they can slack off work.just continue being efficient.if the critiques persists, you'll have to resort to the the obligatory greetings.your workmates probably don't like anyone else working there either.they just do it for the sake of a satisfactory review to kiss up to the boss for a promotion and increase in their paycheck.

*you're worried that you might be reprimanded and your workmates might also be worried that you might someday go "postal" because you seem to isolate yourself and not interact normally or even say hi. so they try to be friendly and continue to say hi regardless if you ignore them due to the possibility that you might spare their life, if one day you decide for vengeance.*whispers*it's usually always the quiet ones that seem to have something devious plotted inside of their head:-D

Answer 2

At work, we all play a role. We are Worker Bee, the Super Employee who must never be inefficient, discourteous or ask a question twice.

Consider your workplace a stage where you perform. No one there can be their genuine selves, anyway. Every time you are courteous despite your desire to ignore them, you are scoring points, one way or another.

When you are at work, you agree to work according to the house rules OR you move on. How can you play by those rules better than your co-workers and win a promotion, a raise or the confidence of your boss?

Good luck and may opportunity come your way!

Answer 3

Common courtesy is expected in the work environment. If you can't manage that, then you really need to find other employment. Believe me, I've had hundreds of employees over the past 40 years, and if I was your supervisor you might find yourself helped along the road to new employment if you were upsetting the apple cart in my workplace.

Answer 4

colleagues are always arbitrary nit-picking freaks, but you need to stop thinking about them like that to get along. just try thinking of each of them on the way to work in the morning as truly wonderful souls (try...*) and greet them with a confident happy hello and then down to your business.
if they look at you suspiciously and make some sarcastic remark about you being cheerful today (i'd put $40 on that) tell them you had a great sleep. you feel like a new man (or girl).

*the dance of ribbons is good. pick someone neutral to you, who makes you feel neither particularly annoyed or happy, and then picture celebrating them with ribbons on a beach. all their good points, read them out as you dance this imaginary dance on the sand. then have a go on yourself, celebrate yourself. and then... pick someone who winds you up. you're only allowed to say nice things about them as you twirl ribbons around them on the sand. worth a try for the positive mental energy it brings. :-)

Answer 5

If you want a good evaluation - part of that is based on being a good team player. If you aren't required to work with anyone - you still need to be courteous. If you are a good worker but perceived as sullen and unfriendly your evaluations coudl suffer.

How hard is it just to say hello on your way to your desk?????

Answer 6

It is a huge "overgrown" watching, like you wish to have a haircut, and also you might need to be quite well at grooming it (gel and blowdrying) and preserving it brushed and neat or it may appear messy. The equal factor however simply shorter might be simpler.

Answer 7

It's not a good idea to be petty. It will come back to bite you in the rear. Remember the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Be a nice person.

Answer 8

I'd just say hi back, and go do my job. A little courtesy never hurts.

Answer 9

You don't have to be friends to say good morning. Your helping to make the work environment the hostel place it is.

Answer 10

If someone speaks to you, it is only polite to answer in kind. How hard is it to say hi back?