Should we expect a warm, friendly “family” atmosphere at work, or simply accept a more reserved, mind-your-own-business office culture?
A Malaysian man recently took to Reddit to share his disappointment after starting full-time work at a large local accounting firm, claiming that colleagues never greet him in the morning or invite him for lunch — leaving him feeling out of place.
No one talked to him during welcome lunch
According to his anonymous post on the r/malaysians subreddit, the man had interned for two months before securing a permanent position, eager to join what he thought would be a “family-like” team.
During onboarding, the company organised a welcome lunch for him, but he said the seniors hardly spoke to him.
The only conversation was a brief round of self-introductions, and that was it.
No one ask him for lunch
The following day at lunch, he said, not a single colleague — not even his seniors — asked him to join them.
As a new joiner, I felt totally abandoned. This seems super rude!” he wrote.
He also criticised the workplace culture, saying that no one greeted each other in the morning or smiled, instead wearing “resting annoyed faces” while focusing on their own tasks.
I’m curious — is this normal in corporate companies? Is it unfriendly? Fast-paced? Or is it just my company?” he asked.
Despite his complaints, he admitted that the company benefits were good, so he decided to focus on his work and ignore the perceived coldness.
Netizens’ reaction
Many netizens chimed in that such behaviour is normal in the corporate and adult world, criticising the notion that people come to work to make friends and have fun.
However, some others pointed out that while no one should expect an overly friendly or loving environment, basic politeness and kindness are still common courtesy.
