Why do rules matter in the workplace?
Are you someone who believes that rules are meant to be broken or a stickler for the rules?
Most companies cannot function without proper systems, such as processes and procedures, which are the core of a business's operations.
While more and more companies are prioritising mental health, well-being, and health and safety, some struggle to properly enforce the day-to-day, functional policies and procedures in the workplace.
When people hear policies and procedures, an immediate lull takes them back to conforming to the traditional 'school system' mindset. Policies and procedures are the rules and regulations of a business and are tied to the company culture and the human resources side of things.
While these may seem tedious and rigid, they exist for a reason and are integral in running a healthy and prosperous business model.
Businesses with a code of conduct, compliance standards, an employee handbook and office rules follow all the business etiquette standards. Despite the dislike of rules and regulations, policies and procedures provide structure and order in the workplace.
We are all for 'free thinking', but can you imagine what that might look like in a business model?
How would management judge performance and productivity? How would they ensure that a particular standard is applied to work deliverables? When employers set out a clear idea of what they expect of employees, they can focus on what is expected of them and deliver their work professionally.
Having rules in place reduces the chance of unresolved conflict. Policies provide the framework for employees to understand the 'ways' of operation and adhere to the holy grail.
But do you feel the simple rules governed by personal habits should be included in the larger spectrum of policies and procedures?
For instance, flush the toilet after use, ensure you leave the washroom clean and tidy, and remove your food items from the communal work fridge before they rot.
This could be considered health and safety.
As the belief goes, rules are rules and following them should come with some form of accountability.
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