"in a business setting" ... I wish we'd all stop accepting crappy work environments just because they're a "business setting". There's no business setting certification that they have to maintain ... nothing is set in stone, and we don't have to accept stodgy work environments.

If this isn't an environment where you feel comfortable talking to your coworkers ... then gtfo of there and find a better work place (not directed at you or OP, just in general :) ).