Challenging the Status Quo: Rethinking HR Policies with Humor and Common Sense Artwork

Rebel HR Podcast: Life and Work on Your Terms

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Rebel HR Podcast: Life and Work on Your Terms

Challenging the Status Quo: Rethinking HR Policies with Humor and Common Sense

December 13, 2024 • Kyle Roed, The HR Guy • Season 5 • Episode 233

0:00 | 4:09

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Ever wonder why HR seems obsessed with rules that make you scratch your head? Join me, Kyle Roed, on the Rebel HR Podcast as we unpack the absurdity behind some of the most bizarre HR policies around. From Colorado’s catapult conundrum to Connecticut’s bouncing pickle predicament, we explore not just the humor, but the implications these rules have on the perception of HR as the dreaded "policy police." Prepare for a candid discussion on challenging the necessity of these regulations and the opportunity to foster a workplace where trust and common sense take center stage.

As we traverse the realm of mind-boggling rules, I share my favorite approach for tackling the relentless requests for new policies—by questioning the validity of those already in place. Let’s face it, the HR handbook often turns into a labyrinth of forgotten guidelines. Instead, let’s focus on creating environments where people instinctively know not to wield flaming arrows at work. This episode encourages HR professionals to weed out the "stupid rules" and prioritize building a culture that emphasizes trust over red tape. Tune in for a fresh perspective that might just make you rethink your approach to HR policies altogether.

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Speaker 1 0:00

I'm Kyle Rode , and this is the Rebel HR Podcast . Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work . Follow us online on Facebook at Rebel HR Podcast , rebelhumanresourcescom , or follow me on Twitter at RebelHRGuy . On today's Rebel HR Quick Tip , we're going to be talking about some of HR people's favorite things rules HR gets a bad rap for being the policy police , and sometimes rightfully so .

Speaker 1 0:37

Why do we love rules so much ? Does it make us feel safe at night ? Does it make us feel like we're actually doing something ? Some rules are just plain stupid . Let's talk about some stupid rules . In Colorado , for instance , you are not allowed to catapult anything . You are allowed to own a catapult , but you better not try to discharge it . Also , flaming arrows are illegal . In Connecticut . Pickles must bounce . By rule of law . You cannot sell a pickle unless it bounces . Connecticut's Food and Drug Commissioner proclaims that a real pickle quote should bounce when dropped from the height of one foot , which is state law .

Speaker 1 1:29

Part of the joy of human resources is dealing with situations where somebody thinks that a rule should be put into place , whether that's a rule related to attendance , a rule related to cell phone or a rule related to a pickle . My guidance here is that rules are important sometimes , but we should actively search out stupid rules and we should make every effort to get rid of them at all costs . So one of my favorite tactics when somebody comes to me and says we have to have a policy for this , we need a rule for that . If I don't have a clear-cut policy with 17 different steps and a flow chart that describes exactly what we're doing in every scenario within the situation , my favorite response is I would be happy to look into creating a policy for you , but what policy are we going to get rid of ? Because I'm not adding any more policies into our handbook .

Speaker 1 2:37

The handbook in itself can be a relatively archaic and complex thing . How many people actually take the time during orientation to allow people to read through an entire handbook , fully understand and then sign that acknowledgement form at the end of it ? It just doesn't happen . And if it does happen , that sounds like a terrible orientation experience . The goal should not be to make more rules or apply more bureaucracy to systems . Human resources should be focused on building culture and building systems and structures that build trust and allow people to understand that they should not be setting off catapults at work and , as we all know , they should be able to drop a pickle from a one-foot height and have it bounce . Almost as silly as the sixth iteration of the attendance policy that still didn't work . Thanks , rebels . Happy Weekend . Follow us on Facebook at RebelHRPodcast , twitter at RebelHRGuy , or see our website at RebelHumanResourcescom . Views and opinions expressed by RebelHRPodcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any of the organizations that you are listening to , baby .

People on this episode

Kyle Roed

Host