Crash Course in Office Break Room Etiquette

 

The office break room is a place for fellowship among colleagues and can be a happy place. Make yourself popular around the office by mastering the basics of professional etiquette in the communal gathering place for cleaning up, dining, and conversation.

 

Cleaning Up:

• Clean up after yourself. The most common complaints about office break rooms are about people leaving messes behind. Wipe your table after eating. Throw away all your trash. Wash your plates and food containers and avoid leaving dishes soaking in the sink for indefinite periods.

• Clean up after others occasionally. People are more likely to clean up if the room is kept neat at all times. If you sometimes wipe off a dirty counter or wash a sink full of coffee cups, your colleagues may return the favor when you need it.

• Take turns with the major chores. Sometimes the refrigerator needs a thorough cleaning. Volunteer for your turn or offer your assistance when you see someone undertaking a big job.  If possible assign duties in the break room. 

Dining:

• Replace anything that you use up. If you take the last cup of coffee, make a new pot. When the condiment dispensers get below half-filled, top them off. 

• Take the last piece. The last donut sometimes lingers for days. It is okay to use a knife to cut off single portions as long as you keep your hands clear of the shared food. If one lonely bite remains on a previously full platter, transfer it to a single dish or napkin and wash off the serving dish.
• Avoid strong odors. Your colleagues may not share your passion for robust cheeses or fish. Mild aromas are safer in the workplace. If you accidentally burn something in the microwave, wiping it down with vinegar and lemon will get rid of most smells. Clear all leftover foods out of the refrigerator at least once a week to avoid spoilage.

 

 

Conversation:

• Put off non-urgent business: Let your co-workers enjoy their lunch. Unless it is an emergency, wait until they are back at their desks to talk about ordering supplies or rescheduling a meeting.

• Keep your conversation G-rated. Everyone should feel comfortable in the employee lounge. Avoid topics that could be controversial or offensive. There may be individuals at work who share your political views or irreverent sense of humor, but save your analysis and jokes for happy hour with them alone.

• Talk softly. When one person raises his or her voice, everyone tends to talk louder to compensate. Make it more pleasant to chat by using your indoor voice. The people who work next to the break room will be especially grateful.

• Use your cell phone discreetly. Similar guidelines apply for cell phone conversation. Avoid any subjects that your co-workers would be uncomfortable hearing. If you get a bad connection, step outside or call back rather than shouting over people.

Other Courtesies:

• Know the TV policy. If your employer puts a television set in the lounge, follow any guidelines in place. You may need to keep it on a news station or take turns with the remote. Adjust the volume to keep from interfering with conversation or nearby workstations.

• Leave other people's food alone. Food disappearing from the refrigerator is another common office complaint. If your bags and food containers look similar to what other people bring in, label them to discourage any mistakes.

• Grooming belongs in the bathroom. It is good to floss after meals but do it in the bathroom. The same goes for combing your hair or applying cosmetics.

• Ask your supervisor to establish policies if needed. If difficulties remain in spite of all of the individual efforts, you may need to ask your supervisor or human resources department to establish policies for chronic challenges.

By following simple courtesies, everyone can enjoy the office break room!