Working Conditions
Do you ever feel overworked, over-regulated, under-leisured and under-benefited?
Take heart, this notice was found in the ruins of a London office building. It was
dated 1852:
1. This firm has reduced the hours of work, and the clerical staff will now only
have to be present between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays.
2. Clothing must be of sober nature. The clerical staff will not disport themselves
in raiment of bright colors, nor will they wear hose unless in good repair.
3. Overshoes and topcoats may not be worn in the office, but neck scarves and
headwear may be worn in inclement weather.
4. A stove is provided for the benefit of the clerical staff. Coal and wood must
be kept in the locker. It is recommended that each member of the clerical staff
bring four pounds of coal each day during the cold weather.
5. No member of the clerical staff may leave the room without permission from
the supervisor.
6. No talking is allowed during business hours.
7. The craving for tobacco, wine, or spirits is a human weakness, and as such is
forbidden to all members of the clerical staff.
8. Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced, the partaking of
food is allowed between 11:30 and noon, but work will not on any account cease!
9. Members of the clerical staff will provide their own pens. A new sharpener is
available on application to the supervisor.
10. The supervisor will nominate a senior clerk to be responsible for the
cleanliness of the main office and the supervisor's private office. All boys and
juniors will report to him 40 minutes before prayers and will remain after closing
hours for similar work. Brushes, brooms, scrubbers, and soap are provided by
the owners.
11. The owners recognize the generosity of the new labor laws, but will expect a
great rise in output of work to compensate for these near Utopian conditions.
