New employer has too many rules, not comfortable, need Advice

f1621688

Hello,
I work in IT as a computer programmer (experienced). My past (four) employers in this sector have had usually lax policies about dress codes, work times etc, as long as you are good at what you do and get the job done.

I have just started a new job and am finding the company has many 'rules' that seem a little arbitrary to me.

Heres the list so far:

Firstly I was told I am not allowed to eat at my desk, not even a sandwich or pack of crisps.

Then I was told I am not allowed to drink tea from a ceramic cup - when I got my own cup. You are supposed to use the company provided paper cups, put a lid on it at all times.

Then I was told I am not allowed to wear dark blue jeans, only black jeans or trousers (any colour) - I normally dark blue jeans and a light blue shirt.

I am also told that I cannot use my creative abilities to modify the software code, I have to stick with the flow etc.

It seems the rules were made the MD who sits in the same office. Most people either don't mind or have told me if the MD says it there is not much you can do to argue.

There seems to be a sense of hierarchy in the company. Certain individuals or groups are treated as being above others.

I am finding myself feeling increasingly uncomfortable thinking about this. I feel like i've been put in a tiny box. I am not sure what to do. So using this forum to get some perspective and advice from others who may have experienced such a workplace environment. I haven't.

I'm on a 3 month probation, its just been 2 weeks.

Marktheshark

If you look at the Calender you will see it is 2015 and we have a Tory lead Government that is about to walk the election due to inept opposition (much to my Disdain.
If you are lucky enough to have a real job outside one of the many schemes and wage avoidance scams you keep your trap shut and head down.

pmlindyloo

f1621688 wrote: »

Hello,
I work in IT as a computer programmer (experienced). My past (four) employers in this sector have had usually lax policies about dress codes, work times etc, as long as you are good at what you do and get the job done.

I have just started a new job and am finding the company has many 'rules' that seem a little arbitrary to me.

Heres the list so far:

Firstly I was told I am not allowed to eat at my desk, not even a sandwich or pack of crisps.

Then I was told I am not allowed to drink tea from a ceramic cup - when I got my own cup. You are supposed to use the company provided paper cups, put a lid on it at all times.

Then I was told I am not allowed to wear dark blue jeans, only black jeans or trousers (any colour) - I normally dark blue jeans and a light blue shirt.

I am also told that I cannot use my creative abilities to modify the software code, I have to stick with the flow etc.

It seems the rules were made the MD who sits in the same office. Most people either don't mind or have told me if the MD says it there is not much you can do to argue.

There seems to be a sense of hierarchy in the company. Certain individuals or groups are treated as being above others.

I am finding myself feeling increasingly uncomfortable thinking about this. I feel like i've been put in a tiny box. I am not sure what to do. So using this forum to get some perspective and advice from others who may have experienced such a workplace environment. I haven't.

I'm on a 3 month probation, its just been 2 weeks.

To be honest, none of these rules seem unacceptable to me.

The food and drink are obviously done to protect the laptops/IT equipment and seem sensible to me.

The dress code also seems reasonable.

You are on probation so you have three options:
don't follow the rules and be dismissed
follow the rules
find another job.

You said that previous employer was 'lax' - this employer isn't.

In the whole scheme of things if these are the only things that you are unhappy with then you are lucky!

kingfisherblue

f1621688 wrote: »

Hello,
I work in IT as a computer programmer (experienced). My past (four) employers in this sector have had usually lax policies about dress codes, work times etc, as long as you are good at what you do and get the job done.

I have just started a new job and am finding the company has many 'rules' that seem a little arbitrary to me.

Heres the list so far:

Firstly I was told I am not allowed to eat at my desk, not even a sandwich or pack of crisps.

Then I was told I am not allowed to drink tea from a ceramic cup - when I got my own cup. You are supposed to use the company provided paper cups, put a lid on it at all times.

Then I was told I am not allowed to wear dark blue jeans, only black jeans or trousers (any colour) - I normally dark blue jeans and a light blue shirt.

I am also told that I cannot use my creative abilities to modify the software code, I have to stick with the flow etc.

It seems the rules were made the MD who sits in the same office. Most people either don't mind or have told me if the MD says it there is not much you can do to argue.

There seems to be a sense of hierarchy in the company. Certain individuals or groups are treated as being above others.

I am finding myself feeling increasingly uncomfortable thinking about this. I feel like i've been put in a tiny box. I am not sure what to do. So using this forum to get some perspective and advice from others who may have experienced such a workplace environment. I haven't.

I'm on a 3 month probation, its just been 2 weeks.

There are many companies that don't allow eating or drinking at the desk. A lidded cup sounds sensible - less chance of spillage. Maybe they insist on disposable cups because there has been a problem with people not washing ceramic cups in the past.



Again, lots of companies have a dress code. It might be different than what you are used to, but it doesn't make it wrong. Would it really be so difficult to wear black jeans or trousers of any colour, instead of blue jeans? I assume you have other trousers, even if you don't have black jeans.


I don't work with computers, but presumably the MD is within his rights telling you not to modify software.


Many, if not most, employees, have to stick to specific hours. It isn't unreasonable for your current employer to state when you should be working. Maybe the company has had problems with more relaxed policies in the past. Even if they haven't, they pay your wages and can say what times you should be at your desk.


The MD is in overall charge and can set rules as he wishes, providing they are lawful. Nothing you say sounds terrible, most makes sense. Having a hierarchy is quite normal in most businesses and the MD is at the top of that hierarchy.


It sounds as though your previous workplaces have been very relaxed, or as you yourself say, lax. There really don't seem to be too many rules, despite what you think. It sounds to me that the MD has a certain way of doing things and as you have not come across this before, it is a problem to you.


I think you need to either accept that different workplaces have different rules and polices, or you need to look for another job that isn't as structured.

paulsad

Could be a lot worse - I worked in a small factory for 4 yrs where we were constantly watched on "security" cameras by the MD on his laptop even on his many holidays - even if you talked to a colleague the foreman would appear and get you to "look busy". The place was dangerous, noisy and full of metal and rubber dust.

getmore4less

This is the sort of thing you find out before you accept the job.

Creative code changes is fast track to bugs and very costly.

theoretica

I don't like paper cups either, would something like this be an acceptable compromise?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sagaform-5016017-Studio-Takeaway-Mug/dp/B004NSI9S0/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_1

quinndelfre

I've also got a strictly formal dress code and not allowed to eat at my desk rule. Can't even have my bag or coat on me. That's because of clients visting the office and can't see employees having personal bags near sensitive documents, and it doesn't look good with employees chatting or eating food instead of working.

[Deleted User]

f1621688 wrote: »

I'm on a 3 month probation, its just been 2 weeks.

Always give it 4 weeks as maybe you miss old place and it takes time to settle sometimes


I cringed and always remember when someone was singled out and asked why they only ever wore complete black in front of all the team, turned out the asker wasn't so sensitive and had a warped sense of humour - concerns expressed with HR later in something unrelated re-iterated this


Agree if someone is paying wages then you play by their rules, unless their life risking. Also worth bearing in mind when you have been somewhere a long time it may change? sometimes there is method in the madness.

London50

Why is it these days some people seem to think that just because they have either worked at other places or that past employers have had a way of doing things nothing should ever change??
Think yourself lucky you have a job, if you do not like the rules then find a company that has the same attitude that you seem to have.As you say this has come from the MD and he/she has full rights to set things up the way they want it not you.

PlutoinCapricorn

I remember seeing an article about mice being seen on camera running over desks and keyboards after the employees had gone home: they were attracted by crumbs etc. I have seen coffee split over keyboards myself. I think that not eating and drinking at the desks is a reasonable rule, although many companies do not enforce it as it means that people may work through their breaks. Some companies ban hot food only, as the smell may offend others: I hate the smell of curry for example.

A lot depends on the company 'image', and whether or not the workers are on display to visitors. Smart professionals working hard as opposed to tracksuit wearing, food guzzling, gossiping people! I have found that the charity sector is much more lax in this respect than the big name corporates.