Some rules are meant to keep workplaces safe and productive. Others… eh, not so much. Across industries and Reddit threads alike, weird and downright baffling policies keep popping up and while they might be funny, they also highlight what not to do when drafting your employee handbook.
Here are some of the strangest real-life (yes, real-life!) workplace rules we’ve found, along with what employers can learn from each one.
Swearing Is Banned… Unless It’s With Customers
At one sales-driven company, HR called a meeting to address excessive swearing on the floor. When someone pointed out that it was commonplace in their industry and that clients also swore regularly, HR later clarified in a memo that swearing was acceptable, but only when talking to customers.
Takeaway: Policy needs to make sense in context. Inconsistency will just confuse employees and undermine your credibility.
If You’re Late, You Must Email the CEO
A traffic delay isn’t fun, but one company’s solution was… extreme. If employees were stuck en route, they were required to email the CEO – but they weren’t allowed to text or call, just email.
Takeaway: Policy needs to be sensible and practical.
You Must Dress Up to Work from Home
One employee was shocked to find that their business-casual dress code applied even when working remotely — and the company enforced it with random Skype checks.
Takeaway: Policy needs to respect that employees are adult human beings and that every single thing does not need to be regulated.
No Phones on You… But You Need One to Do Your Job
A baggage handling company had a strict no-phone policy but also required workers to receive shift instructions via an app. If you were caught with your phone, you risked being fired.
Takeaway: Policy needs to be aligned with operational reality. Pretty obvious, really.
Call Exactly Two Hours Before Your Shift; No Sooner, No Later
One company enforced a sick leave policy so rigid that employees had to call exactly two hours before their shift – not the night before, not three hours before, and not 90 minutes out. Even with a medical certificate covering multiple days, staff had to call again daily, right on time.
Takeaway: Micromanaging health related absence will create resentment. Flexibility and trust are essential for policies that involve personal or family wellbeing.
No Phones or Music After 9pm Even When the Store Is Closed
An Australian supermarket banned phones and music after 9pm, even for staff working back-of-house after closing. While likely intended to maintain focus, it felt invasive to many workers who used music to stay motivated.
Takeaway: Blanket bans often punish the many for the sins of the few. Consider the nuances when you make a new rule.
No Plants Over 30 Inches… Unless You’re a Partner
A public accounting firm introduced a policy that only partners could have indoor plants taller than 30 inches in their offices. One senior staff member had their beloved plant removed after breaching the rule.
Takeaway: Policy that is based on rank must have real reasoning behind it.
Only Company-Approved Plastic Cups Allowed for Water
In one office, employees were only allowed to drink water from specific plastic cups supplied by the company. Personal drink bottles were banned.
Takeaway: Policy should never erode trust.
So Why Do These Rules Exist?
Many of these policies probably started with good intentions, either safety, consistency or professionalism. But somewhere along the line, they lost connection with day-to-day reality. A good employee handbook doesn’t try to police every possible scenario. It sets expectations, provides structure, and supports the people it’s written for.
Bad rules aren’t just frustrating, they cost you good employees.
Final Thought
If you’re drafting or reviewing your workplace policies, ask yourself three questions:
- Does this make sense in real-life situations?
- Does this show respect for employees’ judgment?
- Would I want to follow this rule myself?
If the answer to any of those is “no,” don’t be surprised when your policy ends up as someone’s next viral Reddit post.
