Almost every company has one.  It offers a brief, yet much-needed reprieve from the cubicle – a chance to fill up your coffee mug, eat your lunch, chat with colleagues, or escape after a tough conversation with your manager.  It’s the break room.

Most employees don’t take time to express gratitude for the break room, but they would sure notice it if it disappeared.  But it is more than just a place to hang out during a break.  What happens in the break room can possibly (key word ‘possibly’) help make or break your career.

How to break your career in the break room (In other words, these are things not to do in the break room)

1)      Be overheard talking negatively about your manager, someone else’s manager, or the company.  After all, you’re on company time and the break room isn’t exactly private.  You never know who may be listening to your conversation.

2)      Discuss your office-inappropriate weekend escapades.

3)      Argue loudly on the phone with your spouse, lover, mother, or basically anyone.  You don’t need other employees to hear the personal details of your life and see your ugly side.

4)      Cut in line to heat your food in the microwave.

5)      Steal someone’s food from the refrigerator.  No one likes a lunch stealer.  Plus people may assume that a person who steals lunch also could steal company supplies or data.  Just pack your own lunch.

6)      Take the last of the coffee and “forget” to refill the coffee maker.

7)      Make a mess and don’t clean up after yourself.

8)      Spend so much time in the break room that your manager is constantly looking for you or you’re not getting the job done.

9)      Interrupt someone who is eating, reading, relaxing or chatting with someone.

The good news is that the break room is also brimming with opportunities that can help your career.  I started a conversation with a Director who I had never worked with in the break room.  He later told me about and urged me to apply for a job opportunity that had opened up in his department

How to help your career in the break room

1)      Hear about potential new job openings before they’re posted online.  Keep your ears open.

2)      Strengthen relationships with colleagues you already know.  It’s a chance to talk about subjects other than work.

3)      Hear about who’s leaving a job that you’ve been interested in.

4)      Help others. If someone complains to you that they’re struggling with a project that you have the experience and time to help with, offer your help.  Otherwise, just offering a listening ear helps too.

5)      Discuss your current projects and interests.

6)      Meet people.  People can help your career, but they have to know about you first.  Especially in larger companies, the break room is a place where you can meet people you wouldn’t normally come into contact with.  Learn about them and their jobs.  If they’re from a department that you’re interested in transferring to, ask if you can set up a time to talk to them.

7)      Relax. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, a short break can help you recharge.

8)      Let someone who is in a hurry cut in front of you to use the microwave.   Doing a good deed for someone will make you feel happier, which will hopefully translate into a better work day.

The seemingly innocuous break room is actually a hidden haven of opportunities or a chance to sabotage your career.  Use at your own risk and tread wisely.