 It's super rude if someone just sends you a thumbs up, they added. So I also had a weird time adjusting because my workplace is the same. Older workers appeared flummoxed by the reaction, noting that they use the thumbs up in work-related chats to signal I approve or I understood and I will obey. Of course, you know, side note here is that none of these people are questioning why emojis of any kind are being used in the workplace to begin with.