[BeetleB]

> He got written up for not "looking busy" despite his output being higher than his coworkers.

Also my experience with that first job. I would get the work done quicker than others, and leave around 5pm (most stayed beyond 6pm).

The message was clear: "There's always work to do. If you're getting work done early, you need to do more!"

I got worse ratings than people who achieved less. It also explains why coworkers refused to learn how to automate things.

Again: I automate to make my life easier. If it isn't working, I shouldn't do it.