With some companies instigating rules such as an allotted amount
of time per day to use the bathroom, or insisting that staff must warn their
superior if they’re going to be sick 5 days in advance, there’s no shortage of
petty workplace rules to get riled up about.
Of course, some rules are essential for safety and
efficiency but rules for rules’ sake can hamper employees from doing their best
work. And leave them feeling like their superiors don’t trust them. An employee
stifled by what they may see as pointless rules is an unengaged employee –
costing the company money in wasted time on the job. A proliferation of
regulations is a sure fire way to send your most talented employees scrambling
to update their CVs…
Job Hackers
Some frustrated employees even find ‘hacks’ to get a job
done faster. Known as ‘benevolent hackers’ these people will work on a
presentation using Google Documents, rather than in PowerPoint as company law
dictates. Thanks to Google Docs’ collaborative function, all team members can
work on the file at the same time, rather than constantly downloading the
latest version in PowerPoint. Once the document is finished they’ll
surreptitiously transfer it over to PowerPoint!
An overbearing boss (even one who believes company mandates
to be antiquated or nonsensical) can make working life a chore for all. Often
outdated rules are because companies haven’t embraced new technologies or
working methods. So how do workplaces strike a balance between necessary
regulations and rules that are downright daft?
Culture of Transparency
Create a culture of transparency. Explain to staff why a
certain policy is in place – instead of saying “It just is” will help clear up misunderstandings.
And if it can’t be explained, it could be a great opportunity to revisit the
reasons for that particular rule existing.
Keeping things simple is crucial – the more complex a
regulation, the more unfathomable it will be to employees. Abolishing red tape
while also establishing that authority should be respected is a great way to streamline
a workplace.
Take a look at the steps needed to complete projects too –
and talk to the people that actually work on them. Are all those steps and
sign-offs really necessary or are they simply slowing down procedures and delaying
the end result?
Many companies shy away from internal critism but fostering
an environment where employees are encouraged to (constructively) debate the
reason behind a rule is far more beneficial for all rather than a vitriolic
rant on social media.
Take a look at your organisation’s rules: because, let’s
face it, a resentful and frustrated employee is not a productive or cost
effective employee.
Castle Hill House