I too work at a hospital and we have one person who absolutely no one likes, she goes out of her way to try and stir up trouble. Then she lies on others saying they did what it was she actually did. Management lets her get away with it. Thank goodness all of the rest of us talk enough so we all know when she says something that its not the truth and we all try to avoid her as best as we can. I told my boss the only way for me to not lose it with her is to get up and walk alot to get away. Thank goodness I only have to work with her one day a week but that one day feels like a whole bad week rolled up in one very long day. We'd all have a party if we found out she was leaving, she wouldn't be invited but we'd sure have a great time.

The worst job I ever had was in an office. The only time people opened their mouths was to snipe at each other. Thank Goc I work with men now. In spite of their masculine reputation, they tend to talk too much, but always cheerful.

How depressing - I could not stand all that solemnness. I'd start looking for a new job and quit this one as soon as I landed another position.

I've worked in quite a few offices, both in long term jobs and in temporary jobs. In all but one the people in the office would at least greet each other, and usually they would chat off and on throughout the day. Fortunately the one office where no one spoke was a temp job and I was only there a week.

I worked in a place where there was so much animosity that it was almost impossible to go to the office. As a home health nurse I didn't spend much time there except to write my reports and receive my assignments. I found lots of time I would have my report nearly written in the car before I went in to the office. The sadness is that it was a wonderful job with wonderful patients and the only terrible thing was going to the office. I am a cheery person and they just sucked the joy out of me. When I left they asked me why I was leaving and I did mention the office atmosphere but it didn't do any good as I spoke to another nurse who worked there subsequent to my departure and she said it was still like that.

I always worked in offices that we talked to each other. I have always said Good Morning and Good Night to each employee. Sure, you always have someone who is a 'pain' but just go on and have a good attitude, it's catchy.

I have worked in places both good and bad. It is amazing how much a good rapport amongst the people in an office can go miles toward making even a boring job enjoyable. I always thought the people were 90% of what made a job bearable or unbearable.
it seems foolish that a company would have a no talking policy...but there are many that do.

I don't know if it is the field that I am in or what, but everyone greets each other and it is not uncommon for someone to give you a hug or joke with you.

Back when I "went to the office" it was considered arrogant if you did not say hello or good morning if you passed by or walked by another employee, and if someone was on the phone a nod was considered the "correct" greeting. That being said , I have a friend that at their office its considered "unproductive" if you take the time to say hello or good morning.

I can't sit and not talk to somebody. I would introduce myself and ask why nobody talks? I would just need an answer or they would catch me sleeping on the job. People need stimulation and not just from caffeine. Need to be able to look out for each other.