You might just be saying what everyone is thinking.

When you work in a single job for a long time, it’s easy to fall into a routine. You go to work, you do a particular set of stuff in a particular order and manner, and then you go home. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but when you get into that little rut, sometimes you can forget how to open your mouth and advocate for change.

Maybe there’s a little quirk in your workplace you’re not fond of, like bad snacks in the break room, or maybe there’s a major problem in your workflow that nobody seems to be addressing. I know firsthand the fear of rocking the boat, but if you have something to say that you think could benefit the company (and you), you should say it.

If you have some kind of comment about the state of your work or workplace, you should talk to your manager or boss about it. Don’t be rude of course; keep your comment polite and inquisitive. There is a chance there’s something that just went over your head, so you don’t want to come across like a wise guy. As long as you keep it professional, then the worst that could happen is you’re just corrected and sent on your way. However, there’s also a chance that you could speak up about something that your manager genuinely didn’t realize. Even if it’s only a minor quirk, just showing that initiative can set good things in motion, not to mention make you look much more invested in your career.

Of course, every workplace has its quirks, so you might want to consult with your coworkers before you rock the boat. After all, if you accidentally make work more difficult for everyone, they probably won’t appreciate that.