Return-To-Office Survival Guide: Tackle Bad Breath, Stinky Lunches, and More

Let’s be honest: working from home had its perks. No one microwaving fish in the kitchen, no loud talkers on the phone next to you, and certainly no awkward conversations about bad breath. But with return-to-office mandates becoming the norm, many of us are back in shared spaces where common coworker quirks and habits can drive us up the wall. And these annoyances aren’t just minor grievances—they can have a real impact. A 2024 Kickresume survey of 2,894 employees found that 58% of employees say annoying coworkers negatively affect their productivity, and 44% admit it impacts their overall job satisfaction.

So, if you’re finding yourself distracted by the colleague who interrupts every 20 minutes to chat or the one who insists on eating pungent lunches at their desk, you’re not alone. These small but persistent issues can take a toll on your focus and happiness at work. The good news? There are tactful ways to address these dilemmas without creating unnecessary drama. Let’s dive into some of the most common workplace grievances—and how to handle them like a pro

The Bad Breath Conundrum

Bad breath in the workplace is more common—and disruptive—than you might think. According to a survey by UltraDex, 63% of people have turned away from someone during a conversation due to unpleasant breath, and one in five admits they actively avoid such coworkers altogether. While it’s tempting to simply offer a mint and hope for the best, this subtle approach often misses the mark.

How to Handle It:

1. Choose Privacy: Approach your coworker in a private setting to avoid embarrassment. Ask then to go on a coffee walk with you or take them out of the office if possible.
2. Be Direct but Kind: Gently bring up the issue. For example: “I know you’d probably want someone to tell you—I know I would—that I’ve noticed your breath can sometimes be noticeable, and I wanted to make you aware in case you aren’t”. The key here is to point out that you feel comfortable enough to share something as delicate as this, and you’d want them to do the same for you.
3. Offer Gum or Mint: If you chicken out, just consistently offer them gum or a mint, and cross your fingers they take the hint. And if you’re reading this and someone keeps offering you gum or mints—this is your hint that your breath is possibly foul.

The Stinky Food Dilemma

Eating at your desk can be convenient, but when it involves pungent foods like fish (I’m taking to you salmon eaters), boiled eggs, or anything with onions and garlic—it can quickly make shared spaces smell rank. While it’s generally acceptable to eat at your desk, opting for non-fragrant meals is the polite thing to do. Think ‘cold and neutral’ foods like salads, fruit, yogurt, hummus and veggies, pasta salad, and classic sandwiches (but not tuna or egg salad).

How to Handle It:

1. Talk to Your Coworker: Approach them privately and explain how the smell affects you. Use “I” statements to avoid blame: “I appreciate your lunch choices, but sometimes the smell can be distracting for me. Would you mind eating in the break room or outside?”
2. Clean Up Promptly: Encourage them to dispose of food waste immediately to prevent lingering smells. Offer to toss their trash as soon as you see they’re finished with their meal. It’s not super subtle, but maybe they’ll take the hint.

The Constant Interrupter

The “stopper-by”—you know the one coworker who frequently interrupts your workflow. The key here to understanding why they interrupt. Here are some possible reasons:

• Seeking Distraction: They might be looking for a break from their tasks, perhaps feeling overwhelmed or needing a mental pause.
• Social Interaction: As extroverts, they may crave social engagement to recharge and feel more energized throughout the day.
• Lack of Awareness: They might not realize the impact of their interruptions, viewing them as harmless or even helpful.
• Teamwork Motivation: They may interrupt to foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork, believing it enhances the work environment.
• Seeking Reassurance: They could be seeking validation or guidance, feeling uncertain about their work and wanting to ensure they’re on the right track.

How to Handle It:

1. Set Boundaries: Use nonverbal cues like headphones to signal you’re focused.
2. Redirect the Interruptions: If they interrupt, pause briefly and say, “May I finish?” before continuing.
3. Address the Issue Head-On: Discuss the interruptions later using “I” statements to express how it affects you: “I feel rude when you stop by, and I don’t have time to talk. Could we find a better time to chat?”.

The Gossip Monger

Office gossip can quickly spiral into toxic behavior. If you’re caught in the crossfire:

1. Shift conversations toward work-related topics.
2. Avoid contributing—what you say could easily be twisted.

The Loud Talker

Noise distractions can derail productivity faster than you can say “open floor plan.” Combat this by:

1. Using noise-canceling headphones.
2. Politely asking them to lower their voice: “I’m having trouble concentrating—would you mind speaking a bit softer?”
3. Proposing quiet hours or designated collaboration spaces if it’s a recurring issue.

Why Resolving Your Grievances Matters

Ignoring workplace annoyances doesn’t just affect morale—it impacts productivity and team cohesion. In fact:

• 85% of employees have dealt with an annoying coworker.
• 58% say these behaviors significantly hinder their ability to work effectively.
• 41% wish they could confront these behaviors directly but hesitate due to fear of conflict or lack of resolution tools.

By having the courage to address these challenges head-on—with kindness and professionalism—you make the workplace more comfortable for everyone. Someone’s got to do it, and if it’s you—you’ll likely be the hero of the office. You’re not just solving an immediate problem—you’re fostering a culture of respect and accountability that benefits the entire team. So next time you’re tempted to avoid an awkward conversation, take a deep breath (preferably minty-fresh) and tackle it head-on.