10 Ridiculous & Odd Workplace Rules Employees MUST follow

There is a morning announcement today in Amira’s workplace. Through the speaker, HRD officer announces a few new rules that employees must follow. Everyone listens carefully until it comes to the rules which said, “Male employees are not allowed to grow a beard and no jeans are allowed to wear except Friday”. Everyone starts to murmur and complain that the rule is too outdated.

Well, we all know that workplace rules are needed to ensure good work ethic and behaviour. Rules also prevent employees from clocking in late and are designed to manage productivity. However, if a company has too many strict rules, it can be nerve-wracking. If you don’t believe that there are ridiculous rules out there, here are ten real rules set by companies.

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1. No outside clothing brand is allowed to wear in this company

It sounds weird but true to some. Some clothing companies set this rule to make their brand famous which is known as “free marketing”. Generally, companies will demand employees to buy the company’s brand and wear it whenever they come to work. 

2. Employees must buy every leftover cake (food)

Certain companies that run a bakery or stale fast food actually “force” their employees to buy the leftovers with their own money. You might not be aware of this but it actually happened.

3. No stubble or beard with appropriate length

Some organisations give privilege to employees that they can express themselves in terms of appearance. But some have many worse rules regarding appearance. For instance, beard like mutton chops is banned. Male employees can grow a beard but with appropriate length and should not stubble.

4. No texting outside work matter  

Some industries that demand employees to always focus on their job do apply a rule that even controls personal matter. For example, employees are not allowed to text during workday or should not have possessive girlfriend/boyfriend or spouses that demand to be replied fast.

5. Always report your absence, be it a 10-minutes leave

Applying for leave is absolutely alright but you can be charged for not being at a desk for 10 minutes. Some companies even told employees that they are not allowed to freely move in their work hours. Their rules are designed like for school going kids and it is absolutely odd and outdated as there is no flexible life at work.

6. No short breaks without notifying team lead

Most employees tend to go to a cafeteria or office kitchen when they feel suffocated or stressed. But you need to report to the team lead every time you leave your desk even for going to the office kitchen or bathroom. This rule seems ridiculous and so “elementary school” for some employees. 

7. No wearing hats in workplace

Wearing hats inside a room could be a taboo in some countries. Thus, employers might strictly employ this rule even on frosting winters.

8. Carrying leftover food is banned

It is natural that employees might not want to waste food so they take the food with them to their office desk when they are already full.

Nevertheless, there are rules that demand employees to not carry leftover food from work premises. And employees will be thoroughly checked before they leave the work premises.

9. Employees need to pay fine US$5 dollar every time breaking the office rules

Rules are made to be followed. And yet, charging employees for even breaking the smallest rules is too strict. This is an odd rule in an organisation for employer fine employee, especially for a minor rule-breaking such as eating a snack during work time.

10. Only one snack allowed at a time

Many companies offer office snack in their fridge or vending machine as employee perks. But there are some companies that strictly limit how much snacks employees can take a day. And if they take more than the said amount, it is considered as stealing a company’s property.

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Those are some ridiculous odd office rules. How is the workplace rule in the company you are working at?  

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