Workers reveal bizarre rules UK bosses have enforced on staff

Some say rules are made to be broken and according to research from the UK’s leading independent job board, CV-Library, half (51.6%) of engineering professionals have worked for a company that implemented strange or ridiculous rules.

What’s more, almost half (46.9%) confessed that they weren’t happy about having to abide by these.

The survey of 1,200 professionals looked into the most ridiculous rules that UK bosses were enforcing on their staff and how employees felt about these.



Engineering professionals were asked to share the craziest rules that their boss had in place, these included:

* Pay docked for being a few minutes late – 53.1%
* No food or drink at your desk – 34.4%
* Time limits when using the bathroom – 31.3%
* Not allowed to have a beard – 21.9%
* Getting a doctor’s note for any kind of illness – 18.8%
* Standing when the boss enters the room – 15.6%
* Leaving all personal belongings at the door – 12.5%
* No drinking tea while working – 9.5%
* No pictures, plants or anything personal on your desk – 9.4%
* No talking to colleagues unless in the break room – 9.3%
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of

CV-Library comments on the findings: “Every employer knows that the workplace needs some rules and regulations.

“That said, you don’t want to make employees feel uncomfortable or untrusted by enforcing outrageous and unnecessary rules upon them. This could result in them leaving to find a more welcoming work culture elsewhere.

“So it’s important that you get the balance right.

“Make sure you lead by example and always follow the rules yourself. Alongside this, remember to treat staff as you’d wish to be treated. This means that if there are any rules that you personally wouldn’t want to abide by, it might be time to revaluate these.”

Ridiculous and strange rules

The survey also asked employees how they felt about these rules. It was revealed that two thirds (60.7%) of engineering workers believe that bosses don’t have the right to enforce ridiculous and strange rules on their staff.

Biggins continues: “It’s concerning to see that employers are enforcing ridiculous rules despite many believing that they don’t have the right to do so.

“To avoid any conflicts you need to ensure that your company rules aren’t discriminatory or disrespectful towards employees in any way.

“You should think about running the rules by your HR department for a second opinion – this may flag up anything you missed. Then talk them through with your employees too so they feel included in the process.

“After all, the workplace should be a friendly, welcoming and fair environment.”