13 Work Rules That Seem Absurd Now
Here's a look at 13 outdated workplace rules that were once widely accepted but now seem shockingly unfair or absurd.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Workplace culture has evolved dramatically, leaving behind rules that today feel outdated and discriminatory. From banning women after marriage to enforcing weight requirements for airline staff, these policies reveal how deeply prejudice and control shaped employment norms. By examining these practices, we can better understand the importance of workplace rights and equality today.
1. Women Had to Quit When They Got Married
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Until the 1970s, in many countries, companies had “marriage bars” that required women to resign once they wed. The reasoning was that married women should focus on home life, while jobs were “reserved” for single women. This rule robbed many skilled workers of their careers simply because of their marital status.
2. Smoking at Your Desk Was Allowed
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In the mid-20th century, lighting up a cigarette while working was common in offices, factories, and even hospitals. Managers often encouraged it as a “stress reliever” during the day. It wasn’t until health risks became undeniable that smoking bans were introduced in workplaces.
3. Mandatory Skirts for Women
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For decades, female employees in offices, airlines, and department stores were required to wear skirts or dresses at all times. Pants were considered too casual or masculine, and violating the rule could result in disciplinary action. This policy only began to change in the 1970s and ’80s with the rise of workplace gender equality movements.
4. Punching Out for Bathroom Breaks
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Some factories in the early 20th century required workers to clock in and out for restroom use. Time spent in the bathroom was deducted from their pay, creating a humiliating and stressful environment. The practice was often justified as a way to “prevent slacking.”
5. Only Men Could Have Certain Jobs
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Jobs like news anchoring, law enforcement, and managerial roles were, for decades, closed to women through explicit company policies. Employers believed women lacked the stamina or authority to handle such work. It took legal reforms and social change to dismantle these restrictions.
6. No Talking During Work Hours
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Some manufacturing plants and offices once enforced strict no-talking rules during shifts. Employers thought conversation would lead to mistakes and slower production. This led to sterile, joyless work environments where even small talk could result in reprimands.
7. Firing Employees for Being Pregnant
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Before workplace discrimination laws, it was common for companies to terminate pregnant workers immediately after finding out. Employers argued that pregnant women could not handle the workload and should focus on motherhood. This forced many women into sudden unemployment during a vulnerable time.
8. White-Only Job Postings
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In the early and mid-20th century, many workplaces openly advertised jobs with racial restrictions, such as “Whites only” or “No Negroes.” This blatant discrimination was legal in many regions until civil rights legislation banned it. Such postings highlight how systemic racism was embedded in employment practices.
9. Compulsory Saturday Work
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In the early 1900s, the standard workweek often included Saturday as a full or half-day shift. Many workers had no choice, as taking Saturdays off meant losing wages or their jobs entirely. The concept of the “weekend” only became standard after labor unions pushed for it.
10. Weight Requirements for Airline Staff
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Airlines in the mid-20th century imposed strict weight limits on female flight attendants. Regular weigh-ins were held, and exceeding the limit could lead to suspension or dismissal. This policy was based on sexist ideas about appearance being more important than skill or safety training.
11. Banning Left-Handed Workers from Certain Jobs
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Some factory and clerical jobs once refused to hire left-handed people, believing it slowed productivity or caused safety issues with machinery. Left-handed employees were sometimes forced to retrain themselves to work right-handed. These rules ignored natural human differences and caused unnecessary hardship.
12. Pay Secrecy Policies
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For much of the 20th century, companies forbade employees from discussing their salaries with coworkers. This allowed employers to hide wage discrimination and unequal pay. While still present in some workplaces today, many countries have introduced transparency laws to protect workers.
13. Gender-Specific Job Ads
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Until the 1970s, in many places, job listings were separated into “Help Wanted—Male” and “Help Wanted—Female” sections in newspapers. Women were often funneled into lower-paying clerical or service jobs, while higher-paying positions were reserved for men. This practice reinforced gender inequality in the workforce.