When we accept that we are working in a diverse environment, we realize that our ethnic foods though delicious to us may have smells and odours that are uncommon and unpleasant for others not used to them. You know what they say: "One man's medicine is another's poison". Let's be smart and not put others in uncomfortable situations. Keep exotic foods out of the office. Leave them for home and with friends, for those special "potluck office days". I don't believe the reason your co-worker leaves the office when you eat your ethnic food in the adjacent cubicle is a sign of racism. It may very well be that the spices and blend of spices may be making them queasy, nauseated, lightheaded or worst. Remember that some co-workers may be undergoing cancer treatment, are on medications that make them sensitive to strong smells, are pregnant, or may have allergies. Be kind to yourself and others. While you may be accustomed to the smells and think them wonderful, they may be new and overpowering to others. Remember most workplaces have a scent-free workspace policy. We usually recommend that our client organizations add strong-smelling foods to their scent-free policy as part of workplace health and wellness strategy. Let's continue to look for more ways to promote interpersonal wellness at work.

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