Six Office Break Room Rules to Live by

There is a special balance of common sense and politics going on in office break rooms across the country. Most of us naturally abide by these unspoken rules and for good reason. The workday goes a lot smoother when everyone is playing nice. But at every worksite, there are those few inconsiderate souls who are clueless on the do’s and don’t of the company break room. They lurk near the coffee maker waiting to offend and hinder your other wise enjoyable lunch break. You just want to shake them and yell, “What the hell”! But that would be a no-no and such language is not appropriate for the office. Worse of all, the offending co-worker seems to be aloof of the seriousness of his or her trespasses. 

Unfortunately, most companies neglect to send an official interoffice memo on proper break room behavior. Many feel it’s not necessary; after all, the vast majority of us acclimates quite well and picks up on the unspoken and obvious without the meddling of the higher ups in the corporate ladder. Besides, the upper management is way too busy thinking up new witty acronyms for the monthly staff meetings to worry about Victor’s smelly bowl of left over fish mash surprise. So, the outcasts of social grace and consideration are left hanging in office purgatory. They wander around the break room alone after everyone flees to get away from them. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the unofficial rules of nearly every office break room in America. Victor, here’s your guide. 

Rule One

Do not bring your left over fish mash surprise for lunch. You may not realize it, but the rest of the office does not want to smell your creation. Once you zap it in the microwave oven, the odor permeates the break room and any offices near by. Frankly, it smells like cat pee. Keep the Sea food at home. 

Rule Two