The 6 Rules of Office Lunch Etiquette
By Amy Jacques
June 2025
After years of eating at home and having meetings only on Zoom, many have returned to the office in a full-time or part-time capacity.
However, there are still areas for improvement in office etiquette. The Washington Post shares some tips on how to handle eating at your desk, sharing a kitchen, hosting a celebration and more, noting that it’s “still taboo to microwave fish. And you absolutely have to clean up after yourself in the office kitchen.”
Most important, remember that you’re no longer in the privacy of your own home and that you need to be considerate while eating in the company of others.
Be sure to pay attention to the day the refrigerator is cleaned out at the office and any rules regarding food storage in shared spaces. Clear policies are important, as are team-wide conversations around shared norms and expectations to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and respected, the article says.
A lot of people are sensitive to smells and sounds, and you don’t want to upset your cubicle mates. If there’s a dining room or shared space available, then try to eat there. Think twice before eating lunch at your desk, especially if you don’t have your own office space, and avoid foods that may be loud or have strong odors, the article cautions. “And whatever you’re eating, don’t let food linger too long,” says the Post.
Communal kitchens can be tricky as well. Labeling your food is a good idea, as many co-workers think that “if it doesn’t have a name on it, it means it’s perfectly fine” for them to enjoy. Always clean up after yourself in the kitchen, and try not to take up too much space, only bringing in what’s needed for that day.
When it comes to eating during meetings, experts caution against doing so unless the meeting is specifically designated as a working lunch or a brown-bag session. “Eating while someone is presenting can feel distracting or even a bit dismissive,” the article says.
As for celebratory cakes, group meals or parties at the office, whoever organized the event should oversee serving and cleaning up, as well as noting dietary restrictions and allergies, the Post says.
Here are some more tips about office lunch etiquette:
- Follow the rules — or make them.
- Minimize smells and noise.
- Keep the kitchen tidy.
- Only eat in meetings if everyone is.
- Understand that hosts are responsible.
- Go out for meals with co-workers when possible.
Amy Jacques
Amy Jacques is the managing editor of publications for PRSA. A native of Greenville, S.C., she holds a master’s degree in arts journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Georgia’s Grady College and a certificate in magazine and website publishing from New York University.
