Workplace etiquette – what is allowed in the office?
Observe workplace regulations and hold clarifying discussions if necessary
The workplace is primarily for work. Although a good working atmosphere is important to most companies, not all amenities are allowed in the office. Before listening to music, texting or eating at the desk during working hours, employees should find out about their rights and obligations. In extreme cases, violations of workplace regulations can even result in dismissal. In principle, private activities such as reading messages that have arrived on your own smartphone must not interfere with work. Whether surfing the Internet or making phone calls for private purposes during working hours is permitted or not depends on the employer, so it is advisable to clarify the situation by asking your supervisor. Depending on the industry, there may also be specific clothing regulations, but these must be specified in the employment contract. Compliance with special dress codes must be expected, for example, in banks, in the healthcare sector or in airport activities. While eating and drinking in the workplace is very important for the employee, the consumption of drinks and meals often poses a risk for the employer, for example if water is spilled near a computer or food crumbs soil the desk. In practice, however, every company will try to find an amicable arrangement, as promoting employee health is an important concern. Employees are only productive if they are mentally and physically fit.
Eating and drinking at work
Drinking enough fluids is an effective way to promote good health. It is therefore recommended to always have a filled water bottle within reach. The drinks that are most commonly consumed include mineral water, tea and coffee. It has now been scientifically proven that sufficient fluid intake is of considerable importance for the ability to concentrate and for maintaining mental and physical performance. Since even a slight lack of fluids is noticeable in the form of headaches, lack of concentration, tiredness and dry skin, care should be taken to ensure adequate fluid intake, especially at work. It is important to drink something before you feel thirsty. In addition to water and herbal tea, coffee is also an option. The hot drink is intended to promote the ability to concentrate, make you more creative and enduring. The stimulating effect of the caffeine contained in coffee can be expected about 30 to 45 minutes after consuming a cup of coffee. It is assumed that regular drinking of coffee improves cerebral blood flow, so that mental performance also increases. Since caffeine has vasodilating properties, the active ingredient contained in coffee can also help against mild symptoms of headaches or migraines. Coffee machines can now often be found in companies and public areas, so that there is the possibility of getting drinks during a break. The primary purpose of coffee machines is to allow employees and visitors access to hot beverages while avoiding clutter in the staff kitchen. In connection with fully automatic coffee machines, there are now coffee solutions for every industry. It is advisable to pay attention to the essential details of fully automatic coffee machines. This includes, for example, the water pump, which has a significant influence on the development of the coffee aromas, or the grinder, which grinds the coffee beans. Since coffee is one of the sensitive stimulants, care should be taken to prepare it correctly. A health-promoting effect is attributed to black coffee. Due to its lower acidity, however, espresso is more digestible for a sensitive stomach. Coffee specialties such as espresso macchiato are espresso that is topped up with a little milk.