Workplace etiquette: Revisiting restroom rules
By CareerBuilder blogger on Oct 3, 2008 in Office Etiquette
One topic that workers always seem to have very spirited opinions about is workplace etiquette. Which makes sense – it can be tricky and complicated to negotiate different types of relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
And probably no workplace etiquette subject is as controversial as restroom etiquette. Some workers can get very irritated at how those “facilities” are used by others.
I thought we’d share a few simple requests that we’ve heard. If you’re in the midst of a job search, make sure you remember this when you land your new gig, so your new co-workers don’t have a reason to regret your arrival!
Workplace restroom rules to remember:
- Timing is everything. Unless you have a key to your own executive washroom, chances are that dozens, if not hundreds of workers are sharing the same facilities. Visiting the restroom should be sort of like going to your dentist: Do what you have to do and get out – other people are waiting!
- This is not a library. Reading a newspaper or magazine cover to cover means you’re monopolizing loo time and denying someone else access. Make sure any reading materials you DO take with you aren’t left behind.
- It’s also not your desk. You shouldn’t be conducting business in the john. This means using your cell phone, PDA or Blackberry.
- Make sure you leave the facilities as you found them. Or in other words, don’t leave anything behind. (Ahem.) Don’t assume the automatic flushing devices will do it for you, either.
- Wash your hands. A recent American Society of Microbiology survey indicates that 77 percent of us wash our hands after using the bathroom. (Which means almost a quarter of us are NOT!) Interestingly enough, this article says that the spread of germs happens most frequently not from shared use of a toilet, but from unwashed hands spreading germs to your eyes and mouth.
- Don’t be social. Though a quick “hello” acknowledging a co-worker is fine, now is not the time to strike up a lengthy conversation. And if the facilities are full, don’t hang around waiting for them to open. Come back later or seek out other options.
And my two cents? One thing I know workers look for at any workplace is a ”quiet zone.” Even the best job can get us frazzled, and sometimes we need a place away from ringing phones, full inboxes, or the grind of an assembly line. When workplaces don’t have those quiet zones around, workers seem to take refuge in the bathroom – perhaps the only quiet, calm place they can find!
Jamie C. | Oct 8, 2008 | Reply
Hey, Thanks CB for these great restroom etiquette tips! I must say I have been guilty of quite a few of these—namely, being social, and talking on my cell phone!
I now see why I often got “crazy” looks—not because the people were rude—but, I was seen as such! LOL
Jamie C.
Eric | Oct 9, 2008 | Reply
Restroom peeves:
1. Someone enters the facility and decides to sing…out loud.
2. Moseying up to one of the “stand up” models…and find that the wall has been plastered with nasal excrement. Guys, PLEASE tell me what is your fascination with this? Just TURN AROUND, there’s probably 3 or 4 stalls RIGHT BEHIND YOU with toilet paper!
3. Your boss enters the restroom just after you (realizing that you’re in the stall) and wants to talk to you about work issues! It just breaks the concentration—is all I’m saying here.
Alice Newland | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for including the “Dripping on the seat” entry. You’re right, it’s an absolutely double-standard to expect only males to concern themselves with what lands on the seat. It seems to me the rule is very simple and absolutely genderless: If you are not going to sit on the seat while you do your business, raise it.
Amanda | Oct 30, 2009 | Reply
I started a new job a few months ago and had to adjust to multi-stall bathrooms (my old place invested in single, lockable restrooms). I posted a whole blog post on my site about my new bathroom situation.
I agree a restroom is not a conference room and certainly shouldn’t be treated as such.