Should we bring leftover food home after parties?

In modern office settings, parties are often held to celebrate achievements, promotions, or simply to bring colleagues together after long hours of work. However, after every party, there's always plenty of untouched food left over. Despite this, people are often reluctant to take leftovers home, leading to food waste and a bit of a headache for the office.

Having just completed my first month at a new company, I wanted to show my appreciation for my colleagues by treating the director board and my department to a lunch party. I ordered a variety of delicious dishes, including expensive imported fruits, aiming for a warm, enjoyable atmosphere.

By the end of the meal, there was still a lot of untouched food left, some still neatly packed in their original containers. In an attempt to avoid waste, I kindly suggested that my colleagues take the leftovers home. To my surprise, many declined, some stayed silent, and others visibly avoided the suggestion. This left me wondering if my offer had been inappropriate.

Was it disrespectful to suggest taking the extra food? I didn't think so at the time, as the dishes were individually packaged and untouched.

Why is there such hesitation when it comes to taking leftovers from office events? Throwing away perfectly good food feels incredibly wasteful, especially when so many around the world struggle with hunger.

I began to question: Are we too prideful? As society advances and our economic conditions improve, many feel embarrassed to take home leftovers, viewing it as unnecessary or even shameful.

People may worry about being the "only one" to take the leftovers, thinking it could make others uncomfortable. As a result, leftover food quietly goes to waste after every party.

In the end, I was the only one who took the leftovers home. This not only felt awkward, but also earned me some side-eyes from colleagues.

At times, I've even noticed disapproving glances, as if I'm being stingy by taking "a few scraps of leftovers." But my intention is simply to avoid waste, not to hoard food.

Leaving unfinished food after office parties is not just wasteful but can also affect the workspace. Leftovers can cause unpleasant odors, attract pests, and create unsanitary conditions, impacting both health and morale. When the responsibility for cleanup falls on the same people repeatedly, it can create resentment and weaken team spirit.

This issue reflects a larger cultural challenge in today's offices. The reluctance to take responsibility for leftovers not only leads to waste but also reveals a need for a more responsible and sustainable approach to our workplace culture. By taking initiative, we can create a more thoughtful and civilized office environment.