This nuance description of items in the break room explains both why those spaces are unique and also why the items found in this space are important. In examining these items, learners can also understand what is both normalized in this space and how one can successfully interact within it.

Micro-Managing

This image introduces the phrase "micro-managing." It also further connects the phrase to the break room context and expectations that can be placed on that space, but not accepted by everyone.

Breaking the Rules

Here we see an individual who has stepped outside of break room norms. The way that he has chosen to utilize the space demonstrates that there is a distinct code of conduct for the space, even if it is unsaid.

A Break Room's Purpose

This image is intended to facilitate a conversation around the expectation in a shared space. Specifically, this image demonstrates that not everyone agrees on those expectations--they are something that are both location and culturally specific and collectively agreed upon.

Food & Stockpiling

In this clip, we see a large overstepping of break room expectations surrounding food. Dwight's stockpile of food clearly makes his officemates uncomfortable. Each person displays their discomfort in an indirect form, each wanting him to cease the stockpiling, but not saying so directly.

Birthday Parties

Attending work-place birthday parties is a necessary part of integrating into office culture. Here, learners can observe a colleague stating clearly why he does not enjoy these events. In this interaction he both chooses not to attend and alters his relationship with his coworker and possibly other further cake-related events.

Severity of Office Interactions

This comic demonstrates the severity of office interactions. It clearly demonstrates that there are occurrences in which coworkers use the break room as a place to "take a break" from their colleagues.

Consequences of Violating Office Norms

Though very heightened in presentation, the saga of Ross' sandwich demonstrates the consequences of violating office norms and accepted rules regarding the community refrigerator. 

Possible lesson ideas: Ask students to write a note that will protect Ross' sandwich.

Creating Unity

Just as pragmatic norms can create division, this clip shows how they can create unity. In this show, an office group attempts to renegotiate norms around available snacks and the turn taking/shutting out of another colleague that follows.

Who Stole Joe's Gelato?

Here we see an example of violated norms in utilizing a shared office refrigerator. Though this is a heightened scenario, the clip offers students a glimpse into how relationships can be both created and violated in how the break room space and items stored there are managed.

Expectations - Imperatives

This sign conveys the expectations of the space and how to keep order among colleagues. It's very straightforward in its expectations for maintaining the status quo. It can be used as a tool for teaching imperatives.

These "dos" and "don't" clearly assert what is acceptable microwave usage. In order to build and maintain good relationships in the break room space, microwave users can follow these steps.

Refrigerator Usage

This presentation of a break room rule and refrigerator usage is more aggressive than the previous signs. The presented consequences of violating accepted rules are much stronger. If one fails to follow the stated rules, one will quite literally lose one's lunch.

The Dirty Microwave

In this scene of “The Office”, Pam is upset that someone in the office has made a mess in the microwave and will not clean it up. A workplace microwave (or refrigerator, for that matter) doesn’t “belong” to anyone. If you find a microwave in a home is coated inside with food splatters, you’d think, “Ewww! He’s really a slob!” But the work microwave doesn’t reflect on any one person. Some people count on others having a lower tolerance for a mess than they do.

An Individualistic Approach

This sign shows a more aggressive and individualistic approach to break room discourse. Here an individual's actions in a shared space characterize the individual, not the collective. This also creates a space where each person is responsible for themselves, rather than the habits of others.

Expectations & Humor

This sign depicts a more humorous look at expectations. Attributing dirty dishes in the sink to harming kittens appeals to the break room users' empathy, especially those self-identifying as a "nice person."

Double meaning of “Date”

Even though they are necessary, abiding by office norms can feel silly. This note seeks to mock the expectation that all items be "dated”, as “to date” can mean multiple things, such as “to put the date on something” or “to go out with”.

Not to Touch

Here, the collective is pushing back on the expectations of one individual. By adding another sign below the original requesting not sharing one mug, the group might be asserting that the first request is outside the shared norms and expectations, or they might be joking about the literal meaning of the word “touch".

Small talk often involves many safe, very surface topics. This image provides a humorous representation of which topics are safe and how these topics can be rotated in ordinary conversation.

The Weather

Discussing the weather is both a neutral topic of conversation and an expected form of "safe" conversation that can occur in a shared break room space. Learners can analyze this image and discuss if understanding the weather or filling the silence is more important.

Commuting

"Safe" topics for small talk--especially with people who you do not know well--include commuting. This image demonstrates how to engage with a colleague while waiting and that it is both accepted and expected for the conversation to remain at a surface level.

Can you believe that guy?

"Can you believe that guy" is a phrase that can be utilized in both a positive or a negative connotation to comment on another's behavior.