It seems like a great idea to have a lenient work policy. After all, it can make employees happy and increase productivity, right?
Well, maybe not. In some cases, a lenient work policy can actually undermine your business in several ways.
Let’s take at some of the benefits of a lenient work policy and if it can undermine your business.
Benefits
There are several benefits to having a lenient work policy. For starters, employees can feel appreciated and respected, leading to them feeling happy and productive.
It’s nice for employees not to be as concerned with strict rules or guidelines, which can make employees feel like they are working on pins and needles. It’s hard to stay focused when one minor slip-up can cost you your job.
Lenient work policies can allow employees to take breaks when they need them, which is important for both their productivity and mental health. If employees feel like they can’t take a break when they need it, they may take work home with them or work long hours, which can lead to burnout.
Another benefit is that it can help reduce staff turnover. If employees feel valued and have a good relationship with their boss, they are less likely to leave their job.
A lenient policy can help you attract talent by showing that you care about your employees. Some employers will offer unlimited vacation or sick days, which can be great for employees. It allows them to take the time to recharge and come back fresh.
Cons
However, there are some cases where a lenient policy can lead to employees abusing their privileges.
For example, if employees know that they can take unlimited vacation days, they may take advantage of this and go on vacation more often. This can lead to them being less productive when they are at work. Additionally, it can be difficult to track time off if employees are taking advantage of unlimited vacation days.
Another potential downside to consider is a lenient policy can lead to a lack of accountability. If employees know they can take advantage of the policy, they may be less likely to work hard or meet deadlines.
Lenient policies can also result in unclear directions. It can be hard for employees to understand what’s okay and what’s off-limits.
A big one that comes to mind is drug policies. Some companies will not allow drug use during work, and if you are caught using, you are fired. Others might have where you have to enter a drug detox program and are put on probation if you are caught with drugs.
If you have too lax or no drug policies, you might end up in a situation where your employees are coming into work intoxicated. This type of behavior can be pretty bad for your company.
What should you do?
So, should you have a lenient work policy? It depends on your business. If you think that a lenient policy could lead to employees abusing their privileges, then it may not be right for your company.
However, if you think that a lenient policy could help increase productivity, then, by all means, go for it. Just make sure that you are clear on the rules and that employees are held accountable.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not to have a lenient work policy, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
