Supervisor writes up warehouse employee for not smiling enough at work: 'I work 10-hour shifts moving heavy boxes in a windowless building where we’re not allowed to have earbuds, take phone calls, or speak unless it’s job-related'

Author image for Emmy Pratt
Emmy Pratt • Senior Editor
Jun 21, 2025 8:00 AM EDT

Working always has some element of performance. I remember my first day at my first ever job, my boss told me that my voice didn't sound excited enough for customers. I was just talking the way I usually do, which I'd venture to say is more enthusiastic and bubbly than most people. But once I started putting on a customer service voice and persona, I saw what he meant. As a minimum-wage restaurant worker, you have to perform the emotional labor of appearing and acting extremely happy, as it makes surly and irascible customers feel more at ease. I guarantee you that the average even-tempered customer is actually somewhat disconcerted by the customer service voice. Still, workers are forced to continue doing it because it pleases the boss and makes some customers less unhappy. But does pretending to be happy make workers happy? Of course it doesn't! It makes them more miserable. 

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  • 01

    I got written up for “not smiling enough.” I work in a warehouse.

    A few days ago, my supervisor pulled me aside and handed me a write-up. When I asked what it was for, he said: "Your attitude. You don't smile or seem approachable." Mind you I'm a picker. I work 10-hour shifts
    via u/PeachyGlowMia

  • The employee in this story doesn't even have a job that's public-facing. They're working in a warehouse for 10 hours a day, and their boss is upset that they don't look happy enough. I understand not wanting your employees to huff and puff through a shift, but insisting on smiling at all times is crazy work. 

  • 02
    T-ER
    via National Cancer Institute

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 03
    moving heavy boxes in a windowless building where we're not allowed to have earbuds, take phone calls, or speak unless it's job-related. I barely interact with anyone. I asked if I missed a task or slowed production. He said no, but "morale matters." So now I
    via u/PeachyGlowMia
  • 04
    Cheezburger Image 10519735552
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 05
    guess I'm supposed to beam like a Disney mascot while hauling pallets in steel-toed boots for $16 an hour? I didn't argue. I just nodded, signed the paper, and went right back to work stone- faced. Smile for who? The boxes?
    via u/PeachyGlowMia
  • 06
    Cheezburger Image 10519735808
    via Curated Lifestyle (Unsplash+)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 07
    Mawlock I got written up for "not smiling enough". I work in a funeral parlor.
    via u/Mawlock
  • 08
    Xdeac Can you wear pieces of flair on your uniform? You should always aim for a minimum of 17 pieces, if I recall correctly.
    via u/Xdeac
  • 09
    VisibleManner2923 My first thought, need a smiley button.
    via u/VisibleManner2923
  • 10
    ZookeepergameLoose79 I wouldn't have even signed it, on principle. Signing something means you agree with it. But yeah smile at those boxes, even better if you can do the creepiest one so they regret their actions. Like smile constantly like you went crazy. Malicious compliance time.
    via u/ZookeepergameLoose79
  • 11
    Maleficent_Wash 7203 I came here to say that. Just think of the box ticker getting a box dropped on him as you smile creepily. Think Jack Nicholson
    via u/Maleficent_Wash
  • 12
    Ninja Newt007 But that will get him another write up." making others feel uncomfortable". Maybe even fired.
    via u/NinjaNewt007
  • 13
    ZookeepergameLoose79 Then it seems like constructive dismissal because paper trail shows he tried to comply to the first write up. OP can't help that's how they smile!! (But yeah I'd be looking for next job now anyways, it's not gonna get better)
    via u/ZookeepergameLoose79
  • 14
    Illustrious_Drink_48 1. You shouldn't have signed a thing. 2. Find anything else. A door was just opened and it's only going to get worse
    via u/Illustrious_Drink_48
  • 15
    Dr_Asshole_PhD They want to fire you, they are just starting a paper trail. Make sure you get a copy of this for the eventual unemployment case, because firing someone for "not smiling" sounds sexist as f (usually my wife gets told this at work, she works in construction- no one ever says anything to men about not smiling lol).
    via u/Dr_Asshole_PhD
  • 16
    PonyGrl29 If you're a woman this is a sexist thing. I'd go right to HR and dispute this.
    via u/PonyGrl29
  • 17
    FluffyOceanPrincess There's a 0% chance this happened to a man lol
    via u/FluffyOceanPrincess
  • 18
    timdr18 OP should go right to HR either way
    via u/timdr18
  • 19
    Accomplished_Pea7617 I'd start wearing a mask to work. Last time a boss told me to smile, I said, "I will if you pay for my dental."
    via u/Accomplished_Pea7617
  • 20
    OGEI Pombero89 I got around the no earbud rule by buying a hat that has bone conduction speakers on it. Paired that with the earplugs we were allowed to use made a nice combo.
    via u/OGEI_Pombero89
  • 21
    n8ertheh8er The beatings will continue until morale improves.
    via u/n8ertheh8er
  • 22
    Medium_Chain_9329 Like the other said. You shouldn't have signed it. Also look for a new job. Construction pays much better. Also sounds like your manager is a . No headphones? LL F I that sh
    via u/Medium_Chain_9329
  • 23
    MudAppropriate2050 Its a safety issue
    via u/MudAppropriate2050
  • 24
    Medium_Chain_9329 1 bud in, how does that change anything? I worked in warehousing for 7 years and never once saw a single earbud cause any safety issues. Maybe from an insurance stand point. But so is driving while texting yet everyone does it.
    via u/Medium_Chain_9329
  • 25
    Nenoshka You should have called for your union rep instead of signing the paper.
    via u/Nenoshka

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shift workplace-stories jobs smiling employee toxic-workplace job work employees supervisor workplace warehouse smile bad boss working bad bosses
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