I'm not sure why I'm commenting being there are 1000 other posts on over handling and stressing your snake but I assure you there will be no need to "resocialize" your snake if you leave him alone more. I've never held any 1 of my snakes long enough for it to fall asleep and am sure they appreciate that. As for the coworker, sounds like he has no understandings of nutrition or should own a snake.