Companies need rules, that’s a given. But, some companies take it a step too far to try and enforce standards and create order. Some workplace rules are annoying and then some are just bizarre! Here are 6 weird workplace rules that employees actually had to follow.
1. Phones Banned
Does your employer ban cell phones during the workday? Most notably, General Motors bans all employees from using their cell phones when walking around. Even the CEO! The company says not only is it a safety issue, but the no phone policy encourages better interactions among employees.
2. No Water Breaks
While not technically a workplace rule, this law is bizarre. In Florida, the legislature passed a bill that prohibits any city, county, or municipality in the state from enacting legislation to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. Industries like agriculture and construction in Florida often don’t have rules about water breaks, shade, or rest. Little has been done to protect vulnerable workers from dangerous conditions. Many have called the legislation cruel and unsafe.
3. Limited Bathroom Breaks
Of course, it’s not okay if an employer has a rule around bathroom breaks. We all remember when Amazon was called out for managers monitoring staff’s bathroom breaks if they took too long. While there aren’t usually written policies around bathroom breaks, some workers say that limited staffing and productivity expectations can make breaks scarce.
4. Leftovers Are Banned
At some workplaces, workers aren’t allowed to bring food from home. As one casino worker explained, every day their bags are searched for food. Management says that they are trying to keep the vermin away. Employees don’t love the inconvenience of having to buy food or go out to eat during their 30-minute lunch breaks.
5. No Perfume Allowed
In Detroit, city employees aren’t allowed to wear perfume after an employee sued the city for $100,000 because they didn’t accommodate her perfume sensitivity. While employers may try to enforce a fragrance-free policy it’s hard to enforce. But that doesn’t mean employers are off the hook if someone has a sensitivity. Employers are responsible for making employees aware of their fragrance use and to be courteous to other co-workers.
6. Limiting Unwanted Looks
At Netflix, employees aren’t allowed to look at each other for more than 5 seconds. This is part of their anti-harassment rules. According to an interview in The Sun, the policy was put in place because looking at anyone for more than 5 seconds is considered creepy. The policy also says that you shouldn’t give lingering hugs or touch anyone for a lengthy period.
Dealing with Weird Workplace Rules
While these workplace rules certainly are weird, we’re sure that others have experienced even weirder policies. What’s the strangest rule at a company you’ve worked for? How did you cope with strange rules at your office?