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Mari Parson


Career development 1mo
At our office everyone usually goes out to nearby cafes for lunch. I don’t really like restaurant food, and I don’t trust how it’s prepared, so I bring homemade food in containers.
We have a small kitchen where we can make tea or coffee, and there’s even a microwave.
The problem is that my coworkers don’t like the smell after I eat. They say the office smells like food for half the day.
I’ve tried explaining that I prefer healthier food but it doesn’t really help. I keep noticing their annoyance, and I feel pressured. What should I do?

3   

  • Yogendra Devarahally

    1mo
    Best answer

    You can take your food at a place which is not air-conditioned. The smell is owing to re-circulation of air. You can use terrace or you can have... picnic in the garden. more

    5

  • Kim Skorka

    1mo

    You're in a shared space, so you need to be mindful of smells. I recommend bringing food that doesn't need to be heated up.

  • Makeba Kedem-DuBose

    1mo

    If there is a kitchen provided, why should you be forced to change your eating habits to please them? However, I am quite curious about what you are... eating that has everyone complaining. I'd ignore them, and if their complaints persist I'd be inclined to refer to HR. more

  • Alicia D Johnson

    1mo

    You have every right to bring your lunch and enjoy it. Using a microwave to heat your food is not safe. I suggest you look for containers that will... keep your food hot or cold.  more

  • Ainomugisha Joshua

    1mo

    The office space is public, get somewhere else you can have your meal without inconveniencing your colleagues

  • Karen Gutfreund

    1mo

    An office is a shared space and I’m assuming whatever you are reheating is smelly. Bring food that can be eaten room temp or doesn’t have to be heated... up most of the time. An occasional heated meal is fine.  more

  • George Mburu

    1mo

    Workplace is not home.Those kitchenettes provided are not realistic interms of space & proximity.Consider getting out of office space when eating your... food. more

  • christopher banda

    1mo

    Tell them that you also hate their food, but you respect their choices.

  • christopher banda

    1mo

    Tell them that you also hate their food, but you respect their choices.

  • Danson Wopicho

    1mo

    No one restrict you carrying packed food. And make request if there can be a place reserved to serve your meal.

  • Paul Mmtoni Barasa

    1mo

    Am just curious to know what food you eat though. How about eating in your car or open space, smoking area etc.

  • Yamai Audi

    1mo

    If there is a kitchen, there should be a place to sit and eat. A cafeteria/canteen/break room. If none, open the windows before eating. Close 15mins... after eating.  more

    2

  • Patrick Kamau

    1mo

    Ask them to respect your choice and sensitize about healthy eating for a healthy life.Inform them that you have a right to access the kitchen just... like another.Do not give in to intimidation.Good luck. more

    -2

  • Patrick Kamau

    1mo

    Ask them to respect your choice and sensitize about healthy eating for a healthy life.Inform them that you have a right to access the kitchen just... like another.Do not give in to intimidation.Good luck. more

    -1

  • Jethro Ndhlovu

    1mo

    When they are home, or on weekends, or holidays, do they eat their food at home? Ask them. And if they do, don't their homes "smell" of food? Ask... them. Stand your ground. Unless there's an office of "No food allowed on the premises" then stand your ground. more

    -1

  • Sophie A Pauline

    1mo

    The kitchen is there for that absolute purpose...Don't dare change anything to fill in their ego...

    3

  • Steward Tony Pacheco

    1mo

    Enjoy Your Food Buddy. We all make choices and you, like them need to eat. Focus on your mission, and not their expectations. You office should have... appropiate air conditioning. more

    1

  • Yogendra Devarahally

    1mo

    You can take your food at a place which is not air-conditioned. The smell is owing to re-circulation of air. You can use terrace or you can have... picnic in the garden. more

    5