Workplace Etiquette Query: Colleague has specific dietary requirements, understandable, but is it necessary for them to perform this unusual custom?
In the bustling world of office lunches and happy hours, navigating shared food etiquette can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not, for Miss Manners, the arbiter of good manners, is here to provide some much-needed guidance.
In a friendly, professional relationship, a woman finds herself sharing a pizza with a colleague who adheres to a no-carb diet. To encourage her colleague to perform "pizza surgery" (cutting her own pizza) on her own plate, one can use a light, friendly comment that emphasizes hygiene and shared convenience without sounding critical. For instance:
- “Hey, it’s easier and cleaner if you cut your own slice on your plate—makes sure everyone’s hands stay neat!”
- “Feel free to slice your pizza on your own plate so it’s easier to share without mixing everything up.”
While the search results don’t specifically address “pizza surgery,” general shared-food etiquette suggests being considerate about how food is handled to avoid making others wait or creating messes. Japanese communal dining etiquette, for instance, highlights avoiding digging into shared dishes or taking time to pick the best pieces, which aligns with encouraging people to manage their own portions efficiently and politely.
In a workplace setting, maintaining politeness and focusing on mutual respect is important—framing your suggestion around shared comfort and ease keeps it collaborative rather than directive.
Miss Manners, copyrighted by Judith Martin, offers her insights on various workplace dilemmas. From dealing with unwanted gift cards to addressing wastefulness and pleasing others, she provides practical advice on navigating the complexities of office life.
The article can be accessed through her website, emailed to her, or sent by postal mail. For more information, visit Miss Manners' website.
In a world where political differences can strain relationships, one reader is considering rekindling a friendship that ended due to such differences. Another reader is haunted by a past video and is afraid to tell their husband about it. Yet another reader is questioning the etiquette of a dentist who revealed personal information.
Whatever your workplace dilemma may be, Miss Manners is here to help. Remember, good manners make the world a more pleasant place, one shared pizza at a time.
- When discussing food preferences in a health-and-wellness context, such as nutrition, one can sensitively propose a no-carb colleague to perform "pizza surgery" by saying, "cutting your own slice on your plate maintains the health-and-wellness standards we uphold in our lifestyle and keeps the food-and-drink selection clean."
- In the realm of workplace etiquette, Miss Manners provides valuable advice for navigating diverse situations, ensuring that workplace relationships remain respectful and pleasant, "much like maintaining a harmonious shared food experience during lunch breaks or team outings."
