The most bizarre workplace rules from around the world

The earliest known offices might trace back to Ancient Rome, where communal spaces allowed people to collaborate on similar tasks. As people gathered, rules were implemented to maintain harmony and order. Over time, these rules evolved, becoming increasingly elaborate, formal, and sometimes downright bizarre! 

Sceptical? Let us share a few examples. 

Some of these rules were temporary, while others lasted longer, but they’re sure to leave you astonished! 

Banning water breaks and cooling measures

Although this is not a rule but a law, it still made our list. This year, the Florida legislature passed a bill that prohibits any city, county, or municipality in the state from enacting legislation to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat, prompting many to criticize lawmakers for being "cruel" to the "most vulnerable workers." 

Efforts to secure potentially life-saving measures such as water breaks, rest, and shade for construction and agriculture workers have largely failed due to industry pressure, reflecting a growing trend across southwestern states where heat-related deaths are on the rise.

Banning high heels for women at work 

The Philippines' labour department issued an order prohibiting employers from forcing women to wear high heels at the workplace, citing health and safety concerns. The ban gained traction after four women filed a complaint with a labour union, presenting evidence of the adverse health effects caused by the constant wearing of high heels at work due to lack of choice.

British Columbia also passed a law prohibiting employers from mandating high heels for women in the workplace, citing health and safety concerns. Shirley Bond, the Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Labour, supported the ban, deeming high heels unsafe and injurious to health.

Bearded ban

Many years ago, public servants in Isesaki, Japan, were mandated to sport clean-shaven faces after public complaints that bearded bureaucrats looked unpleasant. In a first-of-its-kind ban, Japanese men had to remove all types of facial hair, including full beards, goatees, and designer stubbles. The announcement was made as part of the annual casual office dress rules.

Banning perfume in the workplace

In Detroit, a unique ban targeted city employees after a federal lawsuit in 2008. The lawsuit was filed by an employee who complained that a co-worker’s perfume affected her breathing. The plaintiff won a $100,000 settlement, prompting Detroit to urge all its employees to refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or aftershave. Officials even placed placards in three city buildings to remind employees of this policy.

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No long looks or unwanted advances 

Netflix reportedly implemented stringent anti-harassment rules, including a ban on workers looking at each other for more than five seconds. According to an article in The Sun, the policy also prevents film crew members from asking colleagues for their phone numbers without permission. "Senior staff attended a harassment meeting to learn what is and isn’t appropriate," an on-set runner told The Sun. 

"Looking at anyone for longer than five seconds is considered creepy." Other new rules include: "Don’t give lingering hugs or touch anyone for a lengthy period," "Don’t ask out a colleague more than once if they have said no," "Steer clear of a colleague once they have expressed disinterest," and "Don’t flirt." Employees are also encouraged to "Shout ‘Stop, don’t do that again!’ if a colleague has been inappropriate."

Banning headphones to avoid distractions

An Indian employee shared on Reddit that his workplace banned the use of headphones while on the job. The company implemented this restriction to prevent distractions and ensure employees remain focused on their tasks.