AITA for taking the office microwave?
Imagine a bustling insurance office, where the hum of a microwave signals lunch breaks—until it doesn’t. One worker, tired of cold sandwiches, shelled out $60 for a microwave when the company wouldn’t. It became the office’s heart, warming leftovers for all.
But when this hero moved it to their new home, coworkers cried theft, and even the boss joined the fray. Was it a sneaky grab or a fair reclaim? This Reddit tale unpacks a heated office drama.
‘AITA for taking the office microwave?’
This microwave mess is a classic case of blurred lines between personal and shared property. The Redditor’s frustration is relatable—spending personal cash to fix a workplace issue only to face backlash for taking it back. Yet, coworkers, unaware of its origins due to high turnover, saw it as office property, making the sudden removal feel like a betrayal. The boss’s refusal to fund basic appliances only fuels the fire.
This reflects a broader issue of workplace expectations. A 2023 Gallup study found 60% of employees feel unappreciated when basic workplace amenities are neglected. Dr. Amy Edmondson, a Harvard leadership expert, says, “Clear communication about shared resources prevents resentment and builds trust.” The Redditor’s silent removal, though justified, ignored this, sparking chaos.
The Redditor could have posted a notice: “Taking my microwave home next week—let’s plan a replacement!” This would’ve clarified ownership and rallied coworkers to chip in. For the boss, providing a $60 microwave is a small price for morale—her stance against appliances is outdated. Moving forward, the Redditor’s apology and offer to share replacement costs is a step toward mending fences.
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
Reddit’s peanut gallery didn’t hold back, serving up zesty opinions with a side of snark. Here’s what the community cooked up about this microwave mayhem.
![[Reddit User] − YTA but not because you took, but how you took it. You should have given everyone a heads up a week out, 'I'm taking my microwave back everyone, we just bought a new house and don't have one, I'll be taking it home with me Monday night, 10/28.' People came in that day with food needing to be heated up and had no options. Easy way to p**s people off needlessly due to bad communication.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/230170c-02.png)
![[Reddit User] − NTA. It sounds like you have a bunch of s**tty and entitled co-workers though, especially your boss. I'd find a new job.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/230170c-04.png)
These Reddit takes are piping hot, but do they get to the core? Is it about property rights or just bad communication?
This saga boils down to a simple question: when does personal property become a workplace fixture? The Redditor’s claim was valid, but the stealthy exit turned allies into adversaries. The boss’s penny-pinching didn’t help. What would you do if your office relied on your personal gear? Share your thoughts—how would you navigate this workplace pickle?
