Many things contribute to company culture, but one of the most overlooked of them all is proper office kitchen cleaning etiquette. Adherence to a good set of rules by all employees will set a positive tone within the office. A clean office space (including the kitchen) is conducive to a great work environment - something every office should try to achieve.
Clean up after yourself
Although cleaning up after yourself is a general rule of life, it especially applies to your office kitchen or break room. If everyone in the office disregarded their mess, the break room would become an unpleasant place very quickly. Be sure to do your part and take care of any spills or crumbs you've left behind.
Label your food
Tupperware is so diverse, isn't it? Labeling your food is a courteous act that will avoid any confusion and won't leave you lunchless. Mistakes happen, but by clearly labeling your food will lessen the chances and will also leave you responsible for #3...
Clear your remains from the office kitchen fridge
If you decide to pass on one of your meals, don't leave it in the fridge assuming that someone will discard of it for you. Rotten food is disgusting and quite unsanitary. It would be very rude of you to subject your coworkers to store their lunch among mold and odors. Clearly labeling your food will prompt you to remove these items once you've decided you definitely will not be eating them, as no one wants to be known as the coworker who stunk up the fridge.
Replenish when possible
If you happen to pour the last cup of coffee, or pull the last napkin out of the dispenser, take an extra minute to replenish it. Simple tasks like this will help keep things in the office running smoothly. And trust us, there will be those that appreciate it! We often don't notice when these things do get done, however if a coworker needs a napkin to clean up a spill, or they need a coffee in a pinch to relieve a caffeine headache, they will be grateful you took the extra minute. In time, you will find a situation where you are grateful someone else took the time to restock.
Only eat/drink what is yours
Could there be anything worse than heading to the lunchroom after a hectic morning to have a bite of last night's delicious leftovers, only to find out that they are GONE? Who could betray you in such a way? You sure wouldn't be happy if someone ate your lunch, so do not touch your coworker's food! No matter how thirsty you are, pass on the coworker's soda and go for the water cooler instead. After an office party, only help yourself to leftovers if a specific note has been posted or email sent out noting that this is okay.
Following these general guidelines will surely keep the office kitchen or break room a zen area that everyone in the office will look forward to entering.
