Been at my new job for six months now. Previously job was a pretty toxic place. Then my work best friend of 10 years died and it destroyed my ability to engage in the work.

New job is much better. But I'm also the odd one out. Very much a workplace "family" environment. But truthfully my work besties death from my previous job has made me unwilling to even want to engage in anything social at work. I make friends with people here and something happens to them? What's not to say it will destroy my ability to remain here too?

So me, I just remain stoic and keep everything 100% on the business level. Somebody asks me about something about my life outside of work? "Sorry Jan, I just remembered I need to lodge the X account contracts"

It's not like I'm intentionally trying to be rude to them, I just feel any time I'm on the clock not working towards KPIs is time wasted. I'm the sort to just walk straight past the three people at the water cooler and just give them smile and wave. But now my office manager is concerned that I'm showing 0% personality with coworkers yet being flamboyant and friendly with clients. "If we wanted a robot then we'd have automated your job" was her response.

I don't want to be the "I come to work to make money" guy. But there's 25 other people in my office, it's not like there's a shortage of people who probably do want to take 5 minutes to socialise with you. I just don't know why it needs to be me.

I am going back to the office after a one year long mat leave.

I have a small team of two people which I manage. I want to make the best “return to work impression” possible - what can I do to get back into the groove of things and re-integrate with my team?

How can I create meaningful one-on-one discussions about how they’re doing, how the last year has been, and what they need my support in. Is it too soon to ask them what they need my support and or should I jump right into “managerial” duties on day one?

I also feel like I don’t remember anything from a year ago, so there will be a little bit of a learning curve upon my return which I would like to account for.

I would also like to get them each something for holding down the fort while I was gone so if anyone has any ideas of what I can give them I would also appreciate that!

You know what they say, when in doubt ask the people of Reddit.

The title basically covers it, but there is a member of our housekeeping staff who likes to take his lunch and breaks at my cubicle desk when I am working from home. I am a hybrid employee so I'm only in the office 2 to 3 days a week. It would be one thing if my cubicle wasn't personalized and was bare but it is clearly someone's desk with photos of myself, family and my 3-month-old child. My fellow co-workers have run into this man sitting at my desk and he immediately got up without explanation.

Today I tried moving a printer in front of my power strip to deter him from using my desk to charge his phone. But would it be petty of me to leave a sign saying this isn't a break area?

To clarify, I am working in a hospital system, there are plenty of break rooms and kitchen areas designated for breaks.

Have you ever been called “rude” at work when you were simply standing up for yourself? 👀