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Tip #61: “Avoid Smelly Foods”
Some people have a more acute sense of smell and therefore sensitivity to strong odors, which become more pronounced if you warm up a dish in the microwave. It’s usually not wise to re-heat fish, and some will even object to popcorn, maybe because they now crave it and are on a diet. Forbidden food signs are sometimes posted in kitchens. If you really want to eat such items, just don’t warm them up. Make popcorn at home, put it in a ziplock bag, and avoid the nasty looks.
Tip #62: “Clean Up Your Mess”
There is an idea that something owned by everyone is owned by no one, so instead of everyone taking care of it, no one does. Don’t be the one who makes a mess in the microwave or fridge, on the counter, or in the bathroom and doesn’t clean it up. And yes, even crumbs fall into this category. Sometimes it even pays to be seen cleaning up someone else’s mess.
Tip #63: “Eating at Your Desk is Normal”
Many places do not have a dining area, forcing you to eat at your desk. This is almost expected for lunch and certainly snacks. But this is another reason not to do smelly foods, because it isn’t just people who enter the kitchen after you have warmed it up that smell it; it’s everyone near you. And yes, they will know it’s you, especially with repeat offenses.
Tip #64: “Avoid the Fridge”
If you can, avoid the refrigerator altogether by keeping food in an insulated container at your desk until lunch time, and don’t leave leftovers. Bring it every day you have food from home. What’s wrong with the fridge, you ask? It can be crowded, people move your stuff, name tags fall off, and of course there’s the occasional theft, all of which lead to irritation with coworkers (seldom good). And you can forget it’s in there and it goes bad, grossing out others (that’s when you want (italics) the name tag to fall off).
Tip #65: “Enjoy the Free Food”
Whether it’s Pizza Fridays, Bagel Mondays, or leftovers from an office party/event, free food is often put out in the kitchen or designated area, which is when you know it’s first come, first serve. But don’t always assume available food is for you until you know how that tends to play out at a job. It’s okay to ask someone.
Bonus: “Don’t Be a Pig”
Whether it’s stuffing your face with something you brought or swiping every last sandwich leftover from an event, gluttony is a poor look. Going back for seconds looks better than a heaping plate. Besides, if it’s an event and there’s too much food, no one cares when you return for more; in fact, sometimes people are encouraging others to take some with them. But if there’s too little and some get nothing, it doesn’t look good for you.