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Whenever I've started a new job the person showing me around takes me to the break room and explains the deal. If there's community food or someone brought donuts didn't anyone say "Joe brought donuts today, help yourself"? I would just ask whoever you dealt with on the first day or someone you've warmed up to already.
Just wondering when is it appropriate to grab snacks and coffee from the kitchen at a new job? 1week? Or am I over thinking it?
Overthinking! Definitely on the first day it is fine. Maybe wait a little if there is a beer fridge until there is an invitation or someone brings you one. Or if it has been a week or 2, you don't want to be seen as the boozer in the first few days.
Are these snacks/coffee provided by your employer or are they one brought in by others to share?
If you're unsure about the snacks, ask someone. Some places have a snack/coffee 'pool' where everyone puts in a few bucks to fund it. No one will think you're odd for asking...in fact, they might be surprised because most people assume if it's in the lounge, then it's free game and will take well beyond their share and not contribute to the fund.
My office provides snacks and there are communal ones in the kitchen. I have typically had, during the office tour, someone in operations spell out the snack rules.
In a few jobs they have offered snacks in the interview process (awkward!)
Would someone be petty enough to notice and mention that a new person is getting a snack or coffee from the kitchen? If so, use it as a learning experience to avoid such a person.
Our firm has a Friday donut club - With the number of people involved it ends up that you will probably bring donuts one Friday out of the year. On a new hire's first day they are asked if they would like to join. Any snacks on the kitchen counter are free to everyone and our receptionist usually sends an e-mail. Coffee, tea and soft drinks have always been free here.
OP, I think I know what you are asking here because I've had the same quandary when I've started a new position. It's not about whether or not you can, but if the subtle nuances of the company culture allow the familiarity so soon. It is more about, "If anyone sees me taking snacks too quickly, am I perceived as overly-familiar and is it presumptuous of me? If I take these items before I've invested sufficient time in becoming part of the TEAM, am I overstepping the mark? Have invested enough time into getting to know these people and this environment for me to be casual about eating their food?" All of these thoughts have run through my head at one time or another. Silly, yes, but I get it! I was raised to be extraordinarily polite, almost to a fault.
Typically, I've waited about 3-4 weeks before I've ventured to eat communal snacks and drinks and only after someone has offered it to me. After about 2-3 months, if I've eaten something that was communal, I've reciprocated by bringing in something of my own.
I have brought in snacks myself within the first weeks after seeing snacks and baked goods out. It was about saying, "Hi, I'm here and I care about you all." It was a foster care agency.
Last edited by ashbeeigh; 03-02-2017 at 06:41 PM..
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