A recent article from the New York Post highlighted a controversial workplace policy introduced by a manager for work-from-home employees. The policy, referred to as the “five-minute rule,” required employees to notify their team if they stepped away from their desks for any reason, including using the bathroom. This directive raised eyebrows among employees, with many expressing their discontent online.
The email from the manager stated that this practice was intended to maintain alignment and ensure that nothing was missed during work hours. However, feedback from employees indicated that many found the policy excessive and unreasonable. The incident reflects a broader trend among businesses as they navigate the challenges of remote work policies.
Many small business owners, particularly those over 50, may resist remote work policies due to concerns about employee productivity outside of a traditional office environment. High-profile corporate leaders, such as Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase and Andy Jassy of Amazon, have voiced similar sentiments, arguing that employees are more efficient when working in-office.
The effectiveness of remote work remains a topic of debate, with studies offering mixed results regarding productivity. As organizations continue to adapt to these changes, it appears there is still a need for a balanced approach to remote work. Employees may appreciate the flexibility of working from home, but they also need to recognize the responsibilities that come with it, similar to other workplace benefits such as health insurance.
Employers, on the other hand, may need to adjust their management styles, avoiding excessive oversight while ensuring that employees remain productive and engaged. Finding common ground between employee flexibility and employer expectations could be key to successfully implementing remote work arrangements.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/26/work-from-home-bathroom-breaks