I hate being the office candy dispenser – how do I put a stop to this?

Dear Aunty B,

I’m an executive assistant and recently started work at a new company.

It’s all fine, apart from one problem: there’s a candy bowl on my desk, and I hate it.

Having people come up all the time for candy is distracting and unprofessional. And hardly appropriate, given I was hired as a gatekeeper to the very busy CEO, not as a HR person who wants to encourage friendly interaction. 

I once asked my boss why there was a candy bowl on my desk, and he just said, “Tradition I guess.” Well Aunty, I hate this ‘tradition’ and want it to end.

Can I just move the candy bowl?

Candy Grinch

Dear Candy Grinch,

Are the employees in this company children? Do they not care for the state of their teeth?!

Move the candy bowl to the kitchen, and if anyone asks you about it, say you didn’t want it tempting you all the time. Most people will think that’s fair enough.

If the candy bowl gets moved back to your desk, just move it back again! People will get the message soon enough. 

Meanwhile, there’s a serious case to be made for banning office candies. If I were you, I would aim to get them ditched entirely in favour of a weekly fruit delivery.

Be smart,

Your Aunty B