> in a lot of workplaces people sang too

At one place of work I was in, one of the cleaners used to sing as he worked, which was by then unusual enough to attract notice. Someone instructed him to not sing, as it was disturbing some scholars' concentration; a while later, someone else told him he *should* sing, as it was good to hear someone being cheerful around the place.

The cleaner eventually solved this conundrum by moving to another department, where presumably they appreciated his taste in happiness better. Being happy to order is awkward .... which brings us back to the subject.