Rules of eating at work

The Rules of Eating at Work

At some point of time or the other, almost everyone eats at work, stashes snacks in their cabinets or takes part in a company potluck.

Follow company protocol 

Many companies have specific policies about how food breaks are to be taken. Some businesses prefer that employees eat only in a company break room, while others are comfortable with desk snacking and dining if the food is relatively easy to handle. Still other companies want employees to use designated lunch hours and prefer no food at work stations. Consult your employee handbook or talk with human resources to learn more about your company's food policy.

Don't eat in front of customers 

Never eat in front of a customer, or eat while talking with a customer on the phone. Sipping a cup of coffee or water during a meeting is fine, but food and client service should never be mixed unless you're at a launch or dinner meeting. Avoid chewing gum or sucking on candy during customer interaction as well.

Clean up after yourself

Whether you're snacking at your desk or cooking a messy meal in the office kitchen, always clean up after yourself. This includes busing your table or desk, putting trash in appropriate receptacles, wiping down your table or desk and doing dishes you use from common areas. Don't leave leftover food in the shared refrigerator for too long. Throw away unwanted food before it spoils.

Forego the smelly food

Just because garlic sauerkraut is your favourite food doesn't mean that everyone in the office will agree. Leave pungent-smelling food at home and if something you cook gives off a stronger-than-expected odor, air out the room  by opening a window or spray the room with air freshener.

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands after eating and brush  your teeth if possible. If you've eaten at your work station, wipe down surfaces your may have touched, like your keyboard and telephone.