[grey-area]

> ...probably only makes it look like it took more effort than it actually did

I think you've hit on why people would do this in a work environment. It's a low-effort way of looking like they're engaged at work and know what they're talking about.

[nikeee]

I suspect that, too. But to me, it signals the exact opposite.

[grey-area]

I know, I find it quite rude but luckily don’t work with people doing this.