The Aroma Zone: What Not to Reheat
The single biggest flashpoint in any office is the smell of food. While your lunch might be delicious to you, strong aromas can be highly distracting to colleagues. The golden rule, widely acknowledged by etiquette experts, is to avoid microwaving anything
with a potent, lingering scent. Fish is the most cited offender, as its smell can permeate an office for hours. Other foods to be mindful of include anything with heavy garlic or onion, strong curries, and vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, which can release powerful odours when heated. A good principle is that hot foods generally have a stronger smell than cold ones. If you're unsure, it’s best to opt for meals that are either served cold, like salads and sandwiches, or have a neutral scent when reheated.
Mastering the Break Room
The office kitchen is a communal space, and keeping it clean is everyone's responsibility. The most common complaints stem from a failure to clean up after oneself. This includes wiping up spills in the microwave, on countertops, and in the refrigerator. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is a major breach of etiquette; wash them promptly or, at the very least, rinse them and place them in the dishwasher if one is available. Be mindful of the shared refrigerator space as well. Don't monopolize shelves with a week's worth of groceries. Label your food clearly to avoid mix-ups, and make a habit of clearing out any uneaten items at the end of the week to prevent mouldy discoveries. Finally, if you take the last of the coffee or any other shared supply, the courteous thing to do is to either make a new pot or restock it.
Dining 'Al Desko' With Discretion
While many workplaces have become more flexible, eating at your desk requires extra consideration for those around you. If you're in an open-plan office, try to avoid noisy foods. The constant crunch of chips or apples can be incredibly distracting for colleagues trying to concentrate. Be neat and tidy, ensuring you don’t leave crumbs or spills on your workspace or the floor. It's also wise to avoid taking phone calls while you're eating. Chewing noises can be off-putting and make you sound muffled or disrespectful to the person on the other end of the line. While eating at your desk can feel efficient, remember that taking a proper break can help reduce stress and clear your head, making you more productive in the long run. If possible, use the designated break room or a common area for your meal.
The Social Side of Lunch
Lunch is also a valuable social opportunity. Going out with colleagues can help build stronger team relationships and provide a much-needed mental break from work. However, be respectful of others' choices. If you bring a non-vegetarian meal, be considerate of vegetarian colleagues and ask if they are comfortable with you eating it in their presence. Conversely, if you are bothered by the smell of a colleague's food, it is generally considered rude to ask them to move; instead, you can choose to eat elsewhere without comment. Eating during a meeting is generally a 'don't' unless it has been explicitly framed as a working lunch. Munching while someone is presenting can come across as dismissive and distracting. When it comes to office food celebrations, the person who organises the event is typically responsible for setup and cleanup.
