Work-life balance, healthy food, open-plan offices—yes or no?—flexible work hours, etc. …
Topics that shape and define today’s workplace!
A sense of well-being in the office is definitely a must.

In the mid-19th century, people had different priorities, as our little find shows.

  • The fear of God, cleanliness, and punctuality are the prerequisites for a well-run business.
  • Now, staff are only required to be present on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sundays are set aside for church services. Every morning, a prayer is said in the main office.
  • Everyone is expected to work overtime when business needs warrant it.
  • The longest-serving employee is responsible for keeping the offices clean. All boys and juniors report to him 40 minutes before prayer and remain on duty even after work is over.
  • Simple clothing is required. Staff are not permitted to wear brightly colored clothing and must wear only neat stockings. Overshoes and coats may not be worn in the office, as a heater is available for staff use. Scarves and hats are permitted in case of bad weather. In addition, it is recommended that each staff member bring 4 pounds of coal per day during the winter months.
  • Talking is not permitted during office hours. An employee who smokes cigars, consumes alcohol in any form, or frequents billiard halls and political gathering places gives cause to doubt his honor, character, integrity, and honesty.
  • Meals are permitted between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. However, work must not be interrupted during this time.
  • Customers and members of management should be treated with respect and humility.
  • Every employee has a duty to take care of their health. In the event of illness, wage payments are suspended. It is therefore strongly recommended that everyone set aside a substantial amount of their wages for such an eventuality as well as for their retirement, so that they do not become a burden on the community in the event of an inability to work or a decline in their productive capacity.
  • In closing, the generosity of this new office policy should be emphasized. In return, a significant increase in workload is expected.