Being a good colleague means taking the time to make sure all aspects of the office run smoothly, including cleaning duties. Yet, there is a fine line between brow-beating your co-workers to pitch in at the office and gently pointing out the error of their ways to get them to do better.
Here are a few notes to help you navigate office situations that call for gentle reminders, snarky shaming, and quirky “thank yous” for those often-overlooked office chores.
Situation 1: Leaving the Kitchen a Mess
Dishes piled sky high in the sink, countertops littered with used silverware, and a sad, empty paper towel roll lying on the ground near the garbage can. It’s time to remind your coworkers to grab the dish soap and lend a hand!
Click on the notes above to download a color PDF. Looking to save on toner? Download black and white versions below.
Download Black and White "Mice Love" Note
Download Black and White "Don‘t Be a Troll" Note
Download Black and White "Sad Kitten" Note
Situation 2: What’s That Smell Coming From The Fridge?
Some co-workers may find it fun to play a spirited round of “Guess the Smell Coming from the Fridge,” but not everyone enjoys the aroma of last week’s leftovers. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to maintain order in the refrigerator.
Click on the notes above to download a color PDF. Looking to save on toner? Download black and white versions below.
Download Black and White "Leftover Food" Note
Download Black and White "Evolution in Action" Note
Download Black and White "Baking Soda" Note
Situation 3: Microwave Messes
While your lunch may have exploded in the microwave, failing to clean up your mess can also make your co-workers explode, too. Time to remind your coworkers to grab a sponge and clean up their mess:
Click on the notes above to download a color PDF. Looking to save on toner? Download black and white versions below.
Download Black and White "Microwave Stinks" Note
Download Black and White "Modern Art" Note
Download Black and White "Self-Cleaning" Note
Situation 4: Coffee Spills
You have a co-worker who has been decorating the office with puddles of coffee and leaving stains everywhere. Remind them mops exist!
Click on the notes above to download a color PDF. Looking to save on toner? Download black and white versions below.
Download Black and White "No One's Cup of Tea" Note
Download Black and White "Not a Thrill" Note
Download Black and White "Coffee Rings" Note
Situation 5: Not Replacing Toilet Paper
You’ve just stepped into the stall and conducted business that can’t be done at a desk. Then you notice... there is no toilet paper in sight. After you managed to find some TP, you compose a note reminding your colleagues of the importance of re-stocking the stalls:
Click on the notes above to download a color PDF. Looking to save on toner? Download black and white versions below.
Download Black and White "High And (Not So) Dry" Note
Download Black and White "Hip To Be Square" Note
Download Black and White "Backside" Note
Situation 6: Leaving The Printer Empty
Nothing is more infuriating than having to print something out in a hurry... and finding out too late that there is no paper in the tray. Let’s write them a note to lend perspective to the situation.
Click on the notes above to download a color PDF. Looking to save on toner? Download black and white versions below.
Download Black and White "Be Sweet" Note
Download Black and White "Black, White, and Red" Note
Download Black and White "A-OK" Note
Eugene Feygin
Quill.com Contributing Writer
