Dedicated to Ginsberg
A recent discussion over some non-penny beers ignited my curiosity surrounding proper bathroom etiquette in the workplace. Specifically, am I classified as "bathroom-polite" and are others whom I bathroom with? In a busy work day, it is all too easy to become complacent with bathroom manners when all you want to do is run in and run out. Are we rude if we do not chat it up while in-stall?
Through thorough research on beloved Google I found an article on the Do's and Dont's in the Workplace Bathroom-- take a look:
Do’s and Dont's in the Workplace Bathroom
Conduct business. Let your coworkers do their thing in peace. In fact, don’t chit-chat, period, while in the restroom. Some people (and by that I mean me) get weirded out about talking to people while going. It can’t wait ten seconds? (Exception: if you’re both at the sink, a “weather’s been nice, huh?” conversation is fine. If someone is behind a stall door, consider them out-of-bounds.)
Do…
Tidy up. No one wants to navigate around your mess. Yes, there are usually janitors, but a.) it’s rude to make them pick up your stinky tp, and b.) until they come in, your office mates are forced to use a bathroom that is filthy. Throw away your trash, wipe up excess water on the countertops, and for God’s sake—no sprinkles on the seats.
Do…
Flush. And check to make sure everything went down. This should go without saying. Operative word: should.
Don’t…
Take your time. If people are waiting, please hurry, particularly in situations where the toilet and sink are in one room. I’m not sure why, but women disappear into single bathrooms and it’s like they step into a time warp. What are they doing in there? As a fellow woman, I don’t see any reason why it should take more than a minute or so, tops. If you have to freshen up your lipstick, do so discreetly in the hallway if women are doing the pee-pee dance outside. This is not the time to change your hairstyle, examine your pores for pimples, reassess your outfit choice for the day, etc. P.S. Even if no one is waiting when you go in there? Chances are a line is forming outside. So step on it.
Do…
Cover up your stink. Bring in an air deodorizer to keep in the bathroom, and spray liberally.
Do…
Treat it better than your bathroom at home. Perhaps you don’t mind your own mess, have no issues with going unflushed, fling water around the room like you’re having a personal water fight, but in an office environment, be respectful. Keep the place nice for others, if not yourself.
