How to Respond When Coworkers Ask What You're Doing During Your Bathroom Break
When the need arises, many of us find ourselves in the position of needing to address socially awkward situations at work. One such scenario is when a coworker or colleagues ask, 'What are you doing?' during a bathroom break. How should you handle this delicate matter?
Common Responses: 'I’ll be Back in a Few Minutes'
Many choose to simply reply with 'I’ll be back in a few minutes' and leave the immediate area. This strategy is effective in providing a familiar and non-confrontational response that often ends the conversation. For instance, if you're in an office building with 17 floors, you could inform colleagues that you're taking a quick break to the restroom on a different floor while the public unbadged restrooms get more crowded and unclean throughout the day.
Scenario: I just say ‘I’ll be back in a few minutes’ and leave. Then I go to a different floor (there are 17 to choose from in my building), go into the stall, and take care of things. I don’t poop in the restroom on the floor I work on because it’s the only floor with public unbadged restrooms so they are very busy and get gross as the day goes on.
Why Do People Ask What You’re Doing?
It can be puzzling why someone would ask such a thing. Often, it’s simply idle curiosity or an attempt to build rapport. Nevertheless, if a coworker or friend initiates the conversation, a straightforward response can be satisfactory. However, if they continue to pry, it may be time to redirect the conversation or get back to work.
Not Everyone Responds the Same Way
People have different levels of comfort and preference when it comes to responding to these types of questions. For some, giving a simple excuse or a vague answer is the best course of action. For others, a more direct approach might be appropriate. The tone and manner in which one responds can depend on their mood and the overall workplace culture.
Scenario: I don’t tell them anything. Why would I? I go to a different floor (there are 17 to choose from in my building), go into the stall, and take care of things.
The Art of Minimizing Distractions
Another popular response is to say that you have a private meeting to attend. This can be a more professional way of deflecting the question, especially if you are managing a tight schedule and do not wish to be sidetracked by a casual inquiry. By framing the bathroom break as part of a professional obligation, you can maintain your work focus without treading on others' curiosity.
Scenario: I tell them I have to go poop if they feel the need to ask. Sometimes I say with even less delicacy than that.
Expressing the Unspoken: Bathroom Humor
Social etiquette requires us to maintain a certain level of decorum in public, but bathroom humor can provide an amusing alternative when the situation arises. Coworkers often crack jokes or use playful language to describe these essential breaks, adding a bit of fun to otherwise routine activities.
Scenario: Normally I'll stand up, slap my thighs, and exclaim 'Going for a banging shite' or just get up and say nothing. It really depends on what mood I'm in. 'Poop-time' is a good one.
Conclusion: Balancing Privacy and Professionalism
Handling bathroom breaks in the office can be a delicate matter, but with some practice and awareness, you can navigate these situations with grace and maintain your professional image. Remember that the key to success lies in finding a balance between respecting your privacy and avoiding unnecessary drama. Whether you opt for a quick getaway, a professional excuse, or a lighthearted jibe, the most important thing is to keep your workplace interactions positive and focused on your tasks.