A seemingly routine action has sparked a workplace debate online. An employee recently took to Reddit after being subtly reprimanded by a senior colleague for viewing their LinkedIn profile—a move that the employee thought was completely normal. The incident has since gone viral, prompting widespread discussion about what constitutes acceptable behaviour on professional platforms.
The Redditor shared that they had simply visited the senior’s LinkedIn page without sending a message or connection request. Later that day, they were met with passive-aggressive remarks suggesting the act was inappropriate or intrusive. Taken aback, the employee questioned whether such behaviour could really be considered out of line, especially on a platform designed for professional visibility and networking.
The post drew attention quickly, gaining support from users across various industries. Many pointed out that viewing profiles is a normal part of LinkedIn usage—often used to understand a colleague’s background, especially in large or global organisations. Several users shared their own experiences of routinely looking up coworkers, seniors, and even leadership teams to prepare for meetings or get context.
Some attributed the senior’s response to insecurity or a fear of being scrutinised, while others criticised the overreaction as reflective of toxic workplace dynamics. A few even joked that the senior probably had a LinkedIn Premium account, which reveals detailed viewer analytics.
The episode highlights a curious tension in modern professional etiquette. While platforms such as LinkedIn encourage openness and discovery, the line between curiosity and perceived intrusion can still trigger discomfort—especially in hierarchical office settings. The majority if users agree that looking up a colleague’s professional profile is definitely normal and also expected in this day and age, where work culture is all about connections.
