Office etiquette
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Take a bite out of your lunch before storing it in the office fridge to deter theft.
The act makes the food unappealing to potential thieves.
- Some argue that lunch thieves are ruthless and will eat it regardless; others note it is difficult to tell if someone has taken a bite of pasta or salad.
3 people, independently
Include the time and date on a 'Be Right Back' note left on an office door so people know how long you have been gone.
It prevents visitors, such as students, from leaving if you only pop out for a bit.
- Some argue against this so people do not know how long you've been gone.
one person who lived it
Walk fast with a straight back and a sense of purpose around the workplace to look hardworking and serious.
Colleagues will assume you are highly productive.
- Do not do this; coworkers may run into each other.
- Ensure you do not look like you are always late.
one person who lived it
Do not eat in bathroom stalls.
It is gross.
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Store food in opaque containers like lunch bags or boxes.
People cannot see into them, which ensures you will be fine.
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Tell co-workers you are busy if they invite you out after work.
This makes it easier to keep ignoring them.
one person who lived it
Walk quickly and look annoyed or frustrated to appear busy and productive.
People often interpret an annoyed expression as a sign of busyness.
- You may appear out of control or have anger issues.
- People will eventually realize you are rushing without doing anything.
3 people, independently
If you need to leave a meeting early or check the time, simply excuse yourself rather than trying to hide it.
Adults generally understand that people may have hard stops.
one person who lived it
Put a lid on any drink kept on your work desk.
Prevents knocking drinks over onto paperwork and looks more professional.
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Walk chatty colleagues to their offices so they sit down and you can leave.
They will instinctively sit down once inside, allowing you to exit the conversation.
one person who lived it
Avoid making unnecessary noises like pen drumming or whistling in shared office spaces.
It is annoying to your colleagues even if it sounds great to you.
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Greet security guards and other staff daily to set a connection that may help in emergencies.
One worker was rescued from a locked freezer because the guard noticed his absence after their routine greeting.
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Leave the freshness seal partially intact on coffee creamer containers to signal they are unused and off-limits.
This visual cue deterred unauthorized use over months.
one person who lived it
Write the date on your lunch container to prevent coworkers from discarding it as old food.
Coworkers may toss items they believe are old leftovers left behind in shared fridges.
one person who lived it
Check if a request is time-sensitive before approaching a coworker on break; wait otherwise.
It requires common sense.
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Wear noise-canceling headphones and walk briskly while smiling and waving to politely decline small talk.
This eliminates unnecessary small talk.
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Label your lunch container with an unappetizing description, such as 'garlic and anchovy sandwich,' to deter thieves.
One person reported that following this advice kept their sandwiches untouched.
one person who lived it
Consider leaving companies that judge employee performance based on online status indicators rather than actual output.
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Go to a distant location within your workplace for lunch and turn off communication devices to ensure privacy.
one person who lived it