Lunch room etiquette?

How many people sit in a lunch room at work these days? For me, it’s been a fact of life for more than 35 years. Break, lunch, break.

The “ lunchroom” is supplied with 2 large fridges , microwave, toaster, and electric tea kettle.

It s a place to relax , gossip or debrief from stress ; get advise about family issues or share news about ill co-workers / retired friends; complain about managers or share funny stories.

At least that s what used to happen.

Now we have an influx of technology that allows us to be in touch with life outside of work. So in the time we used to be social and develop closer relationships with co-workers, we now shut these very people out while we text, stream, pay bills, and listen to music on our hand held devises. Tablets, e-readers, and cell phones with ear plugs are common . Along with that comes no eye contact, distraction, aloneness, and lonliness. Those who were aways on the periphery are pushed away even farther. No wonder cell phone use is linked to depression and anxiety .

Its so easy to be alone in a room full of people.