Etiquette still important, even when awkward

Ideas can help improve shared restroom situations

Readers, let’s talk for a moment — perhaps an awkward moment — about office bathroom etiquette.

Members of the Yuma Sun editorial board keep having the same conversation about a delicate subject in Yuma — answering nature’s call when at work.

Now, we all know that going to the restroom is natural. And when one has to go, one must go, which is why we have workplace restrooms in the first place.

There’s no judgment here, but a simple reflection that such is life. Most people don’t talk about office restroom usage, until they are thoroughly frustrated by something, because the vast majority of people like to keep such information private.

However, the observation that we keep hearing is this: Following some etiquette rules would go a long way toward making the process easier, especially for those who share the restroom space.

And because there is no easy way to say this, we’re just going to jump right in with the pointers that we’ve heard over the last few weeks.

The first is simple: Remember to courtesy flush when someone else walks into the restroom, even if one isn’t done, if said experience is a particularly fragrant one. Courtesy flushing keeps the smells down, both for you and others who may walk in while you are in the stall.

The second tip? Also simple — when you are finished, make sure the bowl is clean before you leave the stall, even if that means you need to do a follow-up flush. No one wants to find evidence that someone was there before them.

And finally, make sure you wash those paws before you leave the restroom. People won’t judge you for using the restroom — after all, nature calls when it calls. But they will judge you for walking out of the stall and right on out the restroom door, because eew, germs.

Take the time to turn on the sink, suds up, rinse and dry. Your co-workers will appreciate the cleanliness, as will any others who have contact with you later in the day.

And to those in charge of keeping such facilities clean: Please, make sure those restrooms are regularly inspected, cleaned and stocked with the essentials. It’s the little details that go a long way to making a difference in an employee or customer’s day.

These tips can make a difference, both at work and at home. Readers, what suggestions would you make for those who must share bathroom facilities? Let us know. Send us a Letter to the Editor at letters@yumasun.com, or visit www.YumaSun.com — but please, keep those comments tasteful!

Any employer that pays a worker that is trying to support a family on $10.00 an hour does not have a conscious. Where are their morals?

Have these same employers ever put themselves in the same place of these people they are paying $10.00 an hour to? Surely these same business men know the cost of living (housing, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, medical, dental) — tell me why there is so much whining and crying about paying a fair wage. $15.00 an hour is closer to a survival rate, without working 2 jobs or more. This is not taking into consideration of later cost of education and retirement. Finally at the end of four years let’s keep track of these companies that are going broke paying a living wage.