Women in Nigeria are known to be good cooks and know how to prepare great local dishes most especially.

As Nigerians, we have a lot of rich and colourful dishes made of hot spices, red stews, local soups and a variety of hot ‘swallow’ options, to mention a few.

Going back to work means eating more meals in the office and the need to save budgets/the preference for ‘home cooked’ meals now move to the ‘front burner’ in our plans for the week/day.

Now the big question is what type of meals are permissible in the corporate office environment, (even though we all have the rights and free will to eat what we desire and can afford)?

In an ideal work environment, do we really have to eat at our office desk?

Eating in the office is tricky, as you may share an open office with colleagues and may not want to eat meals/snacks with a strong aroma or spoons of oil floating on top.

• Eating in the office means planning our meals and snacks with others in mind. We do not want soiled office documents neither do we want to offend colleagues.

• What we eat, where we eat and how we eat in the office environment matters. Crunching/ sucking bones and chewing very loud sounding snacks like fresh carrots can attract a lot of unwanted attention.

• Close your mouth when eating, munching and avoid talking with food in your mouth.

• Try to avoid foods that permeate the entire office once the container is opened or microwaved.  Even in a private office, it may take a while to get rid of the odour before your colleagues/clients show up.

• Listen to your colleague’s feedback on your food choices, ensure no one has to leave the room because of you or hold their noses.

• Ensure liquids are placed in a secure place such that in the unlikely event of spillage, it does not destroy important documents or property.

• Your workspace reflects on your ‘personal brand’, so keep your space  neat, tidy up any crumbs or spills and do not become notorious not cleaning after yourself, especially, left-overs.

• Have some handy wipes and disposable bags around for the odd occasion that requires clean-ups. Even your waste-paper basket should not look or smell like a restaurant. Dispose food items as far away from your work desk as possible. 

Remember, it’s your personal brand you build or destroy with eating habits in the office, so keep your personal brand great!