An office worker shared online that they were shocked after receiving a warning letter from the HR simply because they often brought their own lunch to work instead of joining colleagues for meals.
According to the anonymous employee, he had always been the type to pack lunch from home.
In his previous company, it was seen as normal — it saved money and gave them more freedom during breaks.
From saving money to getting penalised
But after switching to a new company, this habit was suddenly labelled a “negative action.”
HR reportedly issued a warning letter, saying:
“We noticed you didn’t join your colleagues for lunch several times. This is a negative action because it affects the team’s morale.”
The employee said they were left stunned, questioning how eating lunch alone could impact team emotions.
I’m here to do my job, not join activities or ice-breaking games.”
The employee also felt that giving out a formal warning letter for such a reason was excessive.
Netizens weigh in
The post quickly went viral, with many netizens debating whether it was fair for HR to police lunch habits.
Some sympathised with the worker, saying everyone should have the right to eat however they want.
Others pointed out that in some workplaces, socialising over lunch is seen as an important part of team bonding.
