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10 Really Weird Employment Laws

By Hugh Fort in Spotlight, posted September 30, 2024

Employment laws are in place to ensure the rights and responsibilities within the workplace.

They are designed to protect both employers and employees. Generally, most of these laws are sensible, and ensure neither party is able to behave badly towards the other.

But like a lot of things, they differ around the world - and some appear to be quite unusual. From laws about napping at work to regulations specifying when you can wear a swimsuit, here are ten of the strangest employment laws from around the globe.

Siesta Time in Spain

In Spain, the traditional mid-afternoon siesta is culturally important. However, some regions take it very seriously indeed, to the point it's also backed by law in some regions.

In summer, parts of Spain are very hot indeed. This means certain businesses are required to shut down during the midday heat, allowing workers a few hours to rest before resuming their duties.

This practice, while fading in urban areas, still influences work schedules, particularly in smaller towns and rural parts of the country.

No Sunday Work in Germany

Germany takes its Sundays seriously. Most commercial activities are banned on Sundays.

This includes shopping at retail stores, as part of a wider "quiet law" aimed at ensuring a day of rest for the majority of workers. Exceptions exist, but they are strictly regulated, such as in bakeries, which can open for a few hours in the morning.

Mandatory Month Off for Romance in Chile

Chilean labor law mandates that workers in the public sector take the month of February off. Originally intended to allow people to spend time with their families and partake in national festivals.

This law also fuels a boost in domestic tourism and, notably, romance, as couples often plan vacations during this peak summer month. We're not sure what happens to the workings of government, but the move should lead to a more relaxed workforce.

No Suits and Ties in Hawaii

To promote comfortable attire suited to Hawaii’s tropical climate, there is a law against requiring employees to wear suits and ties. This unique regulation aligns with Hawaii's laid-back and informal cultural atmosphere, aiming to enhance productivity and employee comfort.

It's not to say workers can't choose to dress smartly, but they can refuse if they're told to.

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Whistling or Singing at Work in the UK

Britain is littered with old laws that have never been repealed. One of the most famous is that taxi drivers have to have a bail of hay in the back of their cab.

Another old UK law prohibits whistling or singing in the workplace because it is considered a distraction to other workers. This regulation, while rarely enforced today, reflects historical efforts to maintain a focused and quiet work environment.

Mandatory Drinking in Russia

It's something of a stereotype that Russians are fuelled largely by vodka. But in a surprising twist, some Russian factories used to have a rule that required workers to consume a small amount of alcohol to stimulate productivity and strengthen team unity.

This practice has mostly been phased out but remains a fascinating aspect of Russia's industrial history.

Forbidden Emails After Work in France

France is known for valuing work-life balance, as well as its workers tendency for mass protests and going on strike at the drop of a hat.

A French law stipulates employees in the tech industry must disconnect from work emails and communications after work hours to combat burnout and stress, ensuring personal time remains uninterrupted.

The Right to Ignore Your Boss in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, workers have the right to refuse tasks assigned to them an hour before their shift ends. This law is designed to protect employees from overtime and ensure they can maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Ban on Sharing Job Salaries in New Zealand

In New Zealand, it is illegal for workers to disclose their own salary to colleagues. This law aims to prevent disputes and jealousy in the workplace.

It's an interesting contrast to other countries advocating for more transparency around pay to prevent discrimination.