A new survey by AO.com exposes the top office fridge offenses that irritate British workers.
- Half of Brits admit to being frustrated by poor fridge habits of coworkers.
- Top grievances include meat juice spills and neglected mouldy food.
- Fridge etiquette issues can strain workplace relationships, according to Sarah Heaps.
- Proper food storage practices could alleviate common workplace annoyances.
A recent survey conducted by AO.com has laid bare the major grievances Brits have regarding shared workplace fridge etiquette. Half of the surveyed individuals confessed that they were perturbed by their colleagues’ inadequate fridge habits.
Among the most irksome behaviors cited are the presence of meat juice on refrigerator shelves and the neglect of moldy food. These offenses rank high as significant nuisances for those sharing a communal fridge at work. The survey highlights the broader implications of these behaviors on workplace relationships.
Other notable complaints include improper sealing of open containers, notably those containing meats or cheeses, and leaving vegetable juices to accumulate at the bottom of the vegetable drawer. The issue extends beyond hygiene concerns, as leaving the fridge door open during a heatwave was pointed out as a top issue by finance professionals, who are presumably mindful of energy conservation.
The irritation doesn’t end there. HR professionals have cited the annoyance of finding breadcrumbs left in butter, while workers in the transport sector regard storing pet food alongside human food as a ‘sackable offense.’
These findings underscore the importance of cleanliness and organization in communal areas. Sarah Heaps, a food storage expert from AO.com, reiterated the impact of fridge cleanliness on professional rapport. She suggests that simple actions, such as cling-filming open containers and regularly purging spoiled contents, can curb these ‘icks.’
Understanding and addressing fridge etiquette can enhance workplace harmony.
