Friday Chat – Workplace Peeves Part Four
Does your cubicle neighbor like to eat strong smelling food at their desk? Sometimes different tastes can cause clashes in the workplace when smells extend beyond the taupe walls dividing workers.
Let’s face it – for those coming in on Monday still struggling to get over the weekend, a heavy dose of curry or Tex Mex emanating from next door could be problematic. It’s hard enough trying to concentrate on work without having to deal with smells, too.
As an office manager, one way to avoid problems like this is by setting rules about having hot food at desks. this lets those who might need a small snack of nuts or dried fruit to pick them up mid-day to get through until the end of work hours, but keeps stronger far limited to a separate space.
What can you do to nicely request that food be kept in a lunch room or break-room? Is there a tactful way to do it, or do you have to be blunt? Is eating at your desk a commonplace action in your workplace?