Office rules: what not to forbid so as to avoid a fall in productivity
Even though setting some rules in the office is often inevitable and necessary, when those rules become excessive you risk damaging consequences for the company. It is a bit like forbidding an average sweet-toothed child to eat chocolate: although sweets are not his first thought each day, as soon as they are removed from him he will desire them more insistently and with greater frequency.
On forums as well as from the stories of many employees we hear about all sorts of things. Some people are forbidden from leaving their desks to visit the toilets, some risk being fired for using an informal address with their superior, others are obliged to leave their own office door open and some are only allowed coffee in the morning.
The imposition of over-restrictive rules is the order of the day, especially in certain working environments. In these very same workplaces however, the employees suffer from the pressures they are subject to, to the point of becoming resentful, isolating themselves and reducing their levels of performance. How can all this be avoided? Here are three office rules which ought to be a little less restrictive.
- Respect working hours and be punctual
Punctuality is certainly an important characteristic in the professional context, but some excellent members of staff could easily be serial latecomers. What can be done if a worker achieves good results, but does not manage to clock on within the designated time? If this person makes up for it by leaving work later than the others and his time-keeping does not cause the business any harm, it’s better to grant him a bit more leeway.
- Always dress impeccably
If the regulation dress code of jacket and tie is enforced in the company, some workers may feel unhappy. It is true that the company’s image is reflected by the behaviour and appearance of its employees, but it is also true that when no appointments or meetings with important people are scheduled, the staff could wear more comfortable clothing (polo shirts, sweaters and casual shoes) no problem.
- Always remain seated at your work station
Even though generally speaking the workplace has become more flexible and dynamic, there are still many company owners who only consider employees who always remain seated at their work station to be active and productive. However, these professionals do not take into account the fact that nowadays workers can also carry out the duties for which they are paid from the park, the train, at home and, more generally, in any environment which enables them to complete their work within the agreed timescale.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
