29-year-old marketing analyst repeatedly gets reported to HR by coworker for being 'too quiet': 'I undermine team morale because I don't send emojis in the group Slack'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jul 23, 2025 9:00 AM EDT

The level at which you should fraternize with your coworkers is such a fraught topic that a big old chunk of employment law is dedicated specifically to it. While it is often true that a job can be made more pleasant and fruitful when an employee makes an effort with those they work with, it also shouldn't be necessary to force yourself to get cozy with coworkers when you are otherwise competent at your job and contributing to the team. 

Following the working from home revolution that arrived at the beginning of this decade, many workers have become more vocal in their criticisms of those cringeworthy companies that claim "we're like a family here". Still, many find themselves clashing with managers and colleagues who expect more out of their relationship with them, even if they do great work. While being cooperative and cordial is a vital part of being in the workplace, this doesn't mean that you have to be everyone's friend.

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  • 01

    My coworker keeps reporting me to HR… for being 'too quiet'

    I'm a 29-year-old woman who started a new job back in March at a mid-sized marketing agency. I work in analytics, so I spend most of my day in spreadsheets, presentations, and data dashboards. I'm pretty introverted and like to keep my head down and just get my work done. About two months in, I started getting weird vibes from a coworker I'll call Erin, who's in her mid-30s. She's on the creative team, and we only interact maybe twice a week in meetings. But I noticed she'd make snide comments l
    via Kataklysm17

  • After starting a new job at a marketing company earlier this year, one woman found herself dealing with this issue after a coworker decided that she wasn't being social enough in the office. On a different team, she only interacted with this colleague a couple of times a week.

    Despite this, she found herself dealing with HR. This coworker had reported her for not speaking up enough, although she positive job performance led her manager to defend her against the complaint. She shared her story.

  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10533051904
    via Amy Hirschi

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

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    Her complaint was that I wasn't "collaborative," that I was "emotionally distant," and that my "silence in meetings created discomfort for the team." I was stunned when HR called me in. My manager backed me up and said I was one of the most reliable and focused members on the team. HR agreed but said they had to document the concern. I thought that would be the end of it, but nope. A few weeks ago, she did it again. This time, she claimed that I "undermine team morale" because I don't join in "w
    via Kataklysm17
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    Cheezburger Image 10533052160
    via Curated Lifestyle (Unsplash+)

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

  • 05
    I work 40-plus hours a week, deliver clean, high-quality work, and meet every deadline. But apparently, I'm the villain because I'm not performing cheerleader duties in the group chat. I feel like I'm being punished for not fitting into some fake office sitcom dynamic. This isn't high school, and I didn't sign up for a group project 24/7. I just want to do my job without being micromanaged for not sending GIFS. Has anyone else dealt with a coworker who thinks you owe them your personality?
    via Kataklysm17
  • 06
    АБВ (9 :) &% ^ ☑
    via Denis Cherkashin
  • 07

    Outsiders advised her on her situation.

    Plaesmodia You should tell HR that you want copies of the first two complaints and will go to your counsel if that happens another time as you are now subject of harassment. If they arent stupid, they will tell your coworker to stop the bulls.
    via Plaesmodia
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    Revo63 Also ask HR for documentation showing that participation in "water cooler talk", sending emojis or "being socially present" was part of your job description. If they aren't, then they are the ones perpetuating the problem her because THEY should be squashing this bulls themselves, not letting it continue to pour on you.
    via Revo63
  • 09
    hypnoskills If I'm gonna be the office Morale Officer, I need a raise!
    via hypnoskills
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    AlpArslan3866 Exactly. If sending emojis is now part of the job, then it better be in the description with the rest of the actual responsibilities. HR should be shutting this down, not giving her more ammo.
    via AlpArslan3866
  • 11
    Quick-Diamond3697 Ngl Erin sounds like she's projecting hard. like... ur silence threatens her need to be the center of attention
    via Quick-Diamond3697
  • 12
    Choice_Marsupial_414 Proud of u for staying professional. just don't let them gaslight u into thinking ur peace is a problem.
    via Choice_Marsupial_414
  • 13
    Applesand Dnanas I would go on the offensive. Document all the snide comments she makes and report her to HR for harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
    via ApplesandDnanas
  • 14
    Jazzlike-Bee7965 You know what makes me want to open up and be friends with people? When I get in trouble from management
    via Jazzlike-Bee7965
  • 15
    Iliketo_voyeur HR are useless at your company. They should be telling her to stfu and worry about her own work. Remember, there wasn't a problem until she came along
    via Iliketo_voyeur
  • 16
    Ecjg2010 start documenting her comments as a hostile work environment. play fire with fire. report her to hr.
    via Ecjg2010
  • 17
    GeekFit26 HR are the real villains here. Why aren't they shutting this utter nonsense down? Sorry you're dealing with these buffoons Op.
    via GeekFit26
  • 18
    Naive_Tie8365 Sounds like Erin is creating a Hostile Work Environment. Making you feel unsafe and threatened, especially if you are the only one targeted
    via Naive_Tie8365
  • 19
    Norwood5006 You were not hired to entertain your work colleagues or to showcase your personality, she's gaslighting you, she's negging you, she's dong to get a reaction from you. She's creating drama, when the truth is that you would be most workplace's dream employee. She's the problem, she's bu ying you, she's singling you out and letting you know that you're not "one of them" because you're polite and professional and do your job.
    via Norwood5006
  • 20
    residentvixxen This is psychotic unhinged HR is obviously useless but I would def be telling them she is creating a hostile work environment for you. This is harassment plain and simple. Like what did you actually do here? Other than your work? Is being a social butterfly at work so important that you have to take time out of your day to deal with this BS? What????? I'd be documenting every little thing and then next time she goes to HR whip out the document like "actually this woman was hostile
    via residentvixxen
  • 21
    F FrostingPowerful5461 these kind of people who don't just let others be and get on with work. You should file a HR complaint of interference in your work.
    via FrostingPowerful5461
  • 22
    Ophy96 I dont have a group chat at my job. Lol. Not that I know of anyway! I'm not sure what to say about this. I would just keep doing my job well, and if they take retaliatory action, consult an attorney? Nothing I say is advice. I hope it gets better for you.
    via Ophy96
  • 23
    mynameishuman42 That's targeted harassment for something that's not part of your job duties. File your own complaint and request to work from home.
    via mynameishuman42
  • 24
    LordNoct13 Reply to their chats with exclusively emojis, no actual text. They dont even have to make sense. What is she going to do, complain to HR that you're using emojis after complaining to HR that you aren't using emojis?
    via LordNoct13
  • 25
    Kiloyankee-jelly46 Maybe set a timer, and when it goes off, post a random emoji of someone giving a thumbs-up in the group chat. Once a day, stand by the water cooler and announce to no one in particular, "How about them sports teams, eh?" Then go back to your desk, regardless of any replies or ongoing conversations. Cite these as making the requested improvements. If they're still harassing you, shrug and say you've made the changes. Anything further would damage your output. Which bit of your
    via Kiloyankee-jelly46
  • 26
    TenorClefCyclist Coworker wants to be queen of a game you won't play. Now she's trying another way to dominate you. HR is not protecting you from harassment because they have to "follow procedure". Get a registered clinical psychologist to write a letter stating that you require a work accommodation because you are an introvert. You are not to be expected to engage in social activities, small talk, or other activities unrelated to the formal duties of your job. This is a "reasonable workplace ac
    via TenorClefCyclist

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