Making Etiquette Easy: Desk Dining

Let’s face it—everyone has to eat at some point during the workday. Whether you have too much on your plate (no pun intended), you’re running late, or your low-blood sugar mandates it, make sure you are prepared to eat properly at your desk…

· Cater to the Senses: The main office complaint about food is the smell. Yes, you may love that spicy Indian dish, warmed-up fish, or French fries, but it doesn’t mean anyone else needs to smell it. Be respectful and bring things to eat that are less aromatic and more group-friendly!

· Make it Simple: You shouldn’t be hosting a cooking show in the company kitchen. Be sure to bring something that is either a zip away from being open or a quick turn in the microwave from being ready.

· Timing is Everything: Make sure that you aren’t eating in front of customers or talking on the phone while munching—it’s totally inappropriate and makes the other party feel awkward.

· Clean up, Clean up: If you’re blessed enough to have a clean-up crew, make sure you make their job easier. Common courtesy is the bottom like

· Know the Rules of the Fridge: label your food, don’t hog the shelves, wrap everything securely, and always throw out food that is close to expiring.

· Know the Rules of the Microwave: always wipe it down, cover your food, and reset the time when you leave. There's nothing worse than opening a microwave that looks as if a chili bomb exploded. Now that's a real appetite downer right there. (Hmmm, maybe there's a new diet strategy there somewhere.) :)

Happy Dining!

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina