Navigate Office Dining & Drinking Like a Pro

Navigate Office Dining & Drinking Like a Pro 1 in 3 American workers takes a lunch break That means about 65% of employees either eat at their desk or do not eat lunch at all A 2012 survey found that 10% of workers report getting lunch out of a vending machine at least once a week Employees who eat healthy all day long are 25% more likely to have higher job performance Employees who eat 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables at least 4 times a week are 20% more likely to be more productive A University of Berlin study looked at how lunchtime eating conditions affected thinking and emotional states: Some participants Other participants ate ate lunch in an office a restaurant in the alone, over a short period of time company of others, and OI OI walked back to the lab The researchers found that the restaurant eaters reported: > Increased feelings of relaxation > Reduced cognitive control, which has been linked to social harmony and creativity Tips for WORK-APPROPRIATE EATING at the Office Whether you eat at your desk, in the breakroom or cafeteria, or at a convenience restaurant down the street, use these business dining etiquette tips to be considerate to coworkers: Avoid pungent foods: > If you work in close quarters, limit garlic, onion, or heavy spices Respect lunchtime: > Try to eat lunch at a typical lunch time. If others are eating as well, your eating may be less distracting. Keep clean: > A clean, organized workspace creates a sense of professionalism > Clean and disinfect your workspace regularly, especially if you eat at your desk Your computer, keyboard, mouse, phone, and office supplies can harbor dirt and bacteria Check in with coworkers: > When in doubt, ask coworkers nearby if they mind you eating at your desk > This is especially important for people with severe food allergies (some allergens can affect people when airborne) ..----... Ditch your phone: > If you're eating in a communal space, leave room for conversation > Leave your phone at your desk, put it on silent, or put it face down Keep the office kitchen clean: > If you share a kitchen space with coworkers, clean up any prep or eating messes > Wipe up any food splatters in the microwave after use Be respectful of refrigerator space: > Regularly clean out any of your old food from the refrigerator > Keep a day's worth of food stored. Remember that other coworkers need to share. > If something in the fridge isn't yours, don't touch it Happy Hour Etiquette Attending happy hours, lunches, and other events offers valuable facetime with clients, colleagues, and your boss and shows you want to be part of the team Follow these tips to have a fun and work-appropriate time: Keep drinking to a minimum: > There's nothing wrong with having a drink or two, but it's best to pace yourself >A few too many can increase chances for gossiping or altered emotions (good or bad) How are you, sir! Avoid gossip: Stick to light Treat your boss like you're still at work: conversation: > It can threaten your credibility and job security > Don't get too casual > Avoid straying too far from office-appropriate topics Participate even if you choose not to drink: "No thanks, I'm not a big drinker, but go ahead!" > It's perfectly okay to opt out of drinking for personal, religious, or health reasons > Allow others around you to feel comfortable drinking > Opt for a club soda with a twist of lime Turn off your phone: Don't push alcohol on others: Don't overstay your welcome: > Social time with > Don't automatically coworkers shouldn't involve email, texts, or calls > If you want to stay out longer, meet up with friends you don't order another round without asking work with > Put your phone on silent or face down Most of us spend a lot of time with our coworkers-inside and outside of work. When it comes time to take a lunch break or to meet up for happy hour, remember these etiquette tips. aaaai.org > etiquettescholar.com forbes.com businessnewsdaily.com > excelle.monster.com > huffingtonpost.com careerealism.com smallbusiness.chron.com inc.com entrepreneur.com fastcompany.com Designed by: Ghergich & Co. Brought to you by: Quill.om A small part of your job is 100% of ours. .. EE