Bathroom Etiquette In The Office

What is the least attractive room in most homes and especially offices?  I should clarify what I mean by “least attractive.”  It may be a beautiful room but it’s the one that you want to draw the LEAST attention to for obvious reasons, especially in your office because it’s used by many different people.

Of course the answer is the bathroom or rest room if you prefer and even in a rather small work place there is etiquette that should be common practice but often is not.

I will start with my pet peeve for my office and that is those who leave the light on and the door wide open after use.  Are we trying to bring more attention to this facility by shining a light on it?  You go to the bathroom, hopefully wash your hands and shut the light off…it’s not a 2-out-of-3 is okay.

Obviously there are other things that can drive you crazy and I know it’s likely very different for women than men but I know only one side of this although I think some apply for both:

• Flush the toilet completely. Really doesn’t this go back to when we were little boys and girls?  What is grosser than lifting the seat and finding an unwanted surprise?  Clean up after yourself.
• Don’t talk on your phone while sitting on the potty. It’s bad enough to have to listen to a conversation at a restaurant but in a bathroom?
• If you are going to bring something to read like the New York Post do it in a subtle fashion. (I know this from experience).
• Wash your hands when you are done. Running the water has a fake-out is rather disgusting.
• Air freshener is there for a reason. Use it as needed but don’t fumigate the entire bathroom so the smell chokes the next person who uses it.
• Turn off the light