The break room, intended as a sanctuary for respite, can often devolve into a chaotic space. A half-eaten, unidentified meal left festering in the microwave, an unsolicited speakerphone conversation, or the unexplained disappearance of your prepared lunch are not uncommon occurrences.
If nurses get a break during their shift, the breakroom is a place of reprieve. A peaceful, restorative break is essential for maintaining both mental and physical well-being. Consequently, establishing and adhering to clear "break room etiquette" within this shared space is essential for a nurse's sanity.
The Break Room Battlefield: Common Pet Peeves
The break room, while intended for relaxation, frequently becomes a locus of frustration due to various breaches of common courtesy when people are rushed during their break time.
The Culinary Crimes:
The break room can become a site of lunch misconduct that disrupts the intended peace. These culinary breaches create a hostile environment. Some things that can be seen include:
- Lunch theft constitutes a severe violation of trust, causing both practical inconvenience and emotional distress.
- Microwave misuse, characterized by overheating, spills, and persistent food odors, creates an unsanitary and unpleasant environment.
- The appropriation of communal refrigerator space for excessive personal food storage impedes access for others.
- Audible consumption of food, including loud chewing and other related sounds, can be disruptive and distracting.
The Messy Mysteries:
Beyond culinary transgressions, the break room can suffer from a lack of basic cleanliness. These issues, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact the overall morale and well-being of the nursing staff.
- Uncleaned food spills and crumbs contribute to unsanitary conditions and attract pests.
- Overflowing trash bins generate unpleasant odors and compromise hygiene.
- The accumulation of dirty dishes in the sink creates an unsanitary and disorganized environment.
- General clutter and disorganization detract from the intended purpose of the break room as a space for relaxation.
The Social Sins:
The social dynamics within the break room can also contribute to a less-than-harmonious environment. These social breaches can significantly impact the overall atmosphere of the break room.
- Loud phone conversations, particularly those conducted via speakerphone, disrupt the tranquility of the space.
- The monopolization of conversations and the interruption of others impede equitable social interaction.
- The discussion of gossip and negativity creates a hostile and unproductive atmosphere.
- The exclusion of individuals and the practice of social isolation.
The Dos of Break Room Etiquette: Building Bridges
Cultivating positive coworker relationships within the break room necessitates adherence to specific guidelines.
Respecting Shared Resources:
The foundation of a harmonious break room lies in the respectful management of shared resources. These practices collectively contribute to a functional and respectful shared space.
- Clearly labeling and organizing personal food items minimizes confusion and potential conflicts.
- Immediate cleanup of personal messes maintains a sanitary environment.
- Responsible use of communal appliances ensures their longevity and accessibility.
- Replenishment of consumed items, such as coffee or paper towels, demonstrates consideration for others.
Cultivating Positive Communication:
Effective communication is paramount in fostering a positive breakroom environment. These communication practices are essential for building a cohesive and supportive workplace culture.
- Active listening and the practice of empathy foster effective communication and mutual understanding.
- The maintenance of respectful and appropriate conversation topics prevents offense and promotes inclusivity.
- The avoidance of gossip and negativity contributes to a positive and supportive atmosphere.
- Mindful volume control helps maintain a peaceful environment.
Promoting a Clean and Organized Space:
Maintaining a clean and organized break room is a shared responsibility that fosters a positive atmosphere. Adopting a "leave it better than you found it" mentality encourages collaboration. These practices contribute to a clean, organized, and welcoming break room.
- Adopting a "leave it better than you found it" mentality encourages shared responsibility for cleanliness.
- Volunteering to assist with cleaning tasks demonstrates a commitment to communal well-being.
- Encouraging a collective effort to maintain cleanliness reinforces the importance of shared responsibility.
- Implementing a system for shared responsibilities can create a structured way to maintain the break room.
Fostering Inclusivity and Consideration:
Creating an inclusive and considerate breakroom environment is essential for the well-being of all staff members. These practices collectively contribute to a supportive and inclusive breakroom environment.
- Awareness and respect for diverse dietary needs and cultural differences promote inclusivity.
- Providing others with space and respecting their need for quiet time acknowledges individual preferences.
- Considering the needs of those working different shifts ensures equitable access to the break room.
- Encouraging participation creates a positive atmosphere.
The Don'ts of Break Room Behavior: Avoiding Conflict
The prevention of conflict within the break room necessitates the avoidance of specific behaviors.
The Cardinal Sins of Food:
Certain food-related behaviors are considered cardinal sins within the break room, as they violate respect and consideration principles. These food-related transgressions undermine the sense of shared respect within the break room.
- The theft of another individual's food is strictly prohibited.
- The storage of food items until they decompose is unacceptable.
- The introduction of strong-smelling foods that may offend others should be avoided.
- Consuming food that does not belong to the individual is prohibited.
The Unforgivable Messes:
Maintaining basic cleanliness is essential in a shared space like the break room, and certain messy behaviors are considered unforgivable. These messy behaviors undermine the shared responsibility for maintaining a clean and functional space.
- The abandonment of spills or crumbs is unacceptable.
- The accumulation of dirty dishes in the sink is prohibited.
- The overfilling of trash receptacles is unacceptable.
- Leaving personal items scattered about the room is prohibited.
Adherence to breakroom etiquette is essential for the maintenance of positive coworker relationships. As a shared space, the break room necessitates mutual respect and consideration. A harmonious break room environment contributes significantly to overall workplace morale. The establishment of a supportive and enjoyable break room environment is a collective responsibility, fostering a space where nurses can find necessary respite and support.
Share your own experiences and tips for navigating shared spaces in the comments below. What strategies have you found effective in promoting harmony?
About the Author:
Breann Kakacek, BSN, RN, has been a registered nurse since 2015 and a CNA prior to that for two years while going through the nursing program. Most of her nursing years included working in the medical ICU, cardiovascular ICU, and the OR as a circulating nurse. She has always had a passion for writing and enjoys using her nursing knowledge to create unique online content. You can learn more about her writing career and services at ghostnursewriter.com
Breann is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
If you want to learn more about CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.
