Explanation and Answer:
A Break Room, also known as a Kitchen Area in a workplace, is primarily used for employees to relax, eat, and socialize during their breaks1. Here are some common guidelines for using a break room:
Cleanliness: Always clean up after yourself. Don’t leave wrappers, empty cups, or other trash on the counter. Wipe up spills, splatters, crumbs, and condensation.
Refrigerator Use: The refrigerator should not be used for storage. It’s meant to keep your meal or snack cold for that day until you eat it.
Label Your Food: If you do not want someone to drink your soft drink or eat your lunch, make sure you mark it as yours.
Respect Others’ Food: Do not browse the break room looking for free food, and don’t take someone else’s food.
Replace Consumables: If you finish a pot of coffee or use the last of the silverware, cups, paper towels, sugar packets, etc., replace it with a new container.
Do Your Dishes: No one likes to see dirty dishes accumulate in the sink.
Respect Break Time: It’s called a break room for a reason – people are there for a break. Don’t bother them with work talk or gossip.
Microwave Etiquette: The microwave does not automatically clean itself after each use. Be sure to wipe down the inside and the handle if it gets splattered or greasy.
Be Considerate: Don’t reheat old fish or bring in a fragrant or exotic dishes if it will distract everyone else with its smell.
In addition to these, a well-designed break room can also be used as an informal meeting space for company-wide presentations, or for teams to collaborate and share ideas. It encourages employees to stay at the office to take their lunch breaks, thus interacting with each other more often.