I was informed that information submitted to HR would be looked into and selective employees would be monitored accordingly. Please give me your opinion on the matter. Some gossips must have painted you blue with a muddy brush. Now you may be so soured on your coworkers who gossip, you imply, more than they work, and they on you, that your best course may be to seek a transfer. Every work group has a climate and that climate affects the quality and amount of work that is accomplished.
Sure work is work.
Sure you are paid to work and not to gossip. However surely, the day goes longer if you and your coworkers are all work and no play. It, of course, is not your task alone.