Ditch Your Business Rules? 7 Reasons Why

Business rules are meant to be followed… or are they? Having rules in the workplace is indeed vital. They are, after all, what keeps everything running smoothly. If there weren’t any guidelines, nothing would get accomplished.

But even though a company has rules in place, it doesn’t mean they can’t change. Sometimes breaking rules results in improvements you didn’t think you needed. And other times, you may discover that those rules were there for a reason.

You’ll never know, though, unless you break a few.

As a manager or owner of a business, a few rules to consider breaking are:

• Employees can only work in the office but not at home.
• Changing things that don’t need fixing. (If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!)
• Encouraging employees to work overtime all the time.
• Not allowing company get-togethers because work productivity is more important.
• Not speaking up to a co-owner or another manager about what needs to change.

Check out seven reasons why you should start breaking more business rules today!

1. Makes You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Making business changes forces you to go against the grain.

Once you’re out of your comfort zone, you can open your eyes. When your eyes are open, you’re able to see other ways the company can improve.

One example is deciding to hire a social media manager. You may feel you don’t need social media to improve the company. Other executives disagree, though. They think it’s necessary to go with the changing times. So you all decide to hire someone who specializes in social media.

Trying something new is exciting, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Having someone in marketing may seem good enough. But having an employee who specializes in social media can be an asset.

Don’t be afraid of making a few changes. The results of your “experiments” may surprise you!

2. Results in You Becoming a Trend Setter

Even though other companies are running things the same way, it doesn’t mean you have to. Be a trendsetter and try new things with your employees.

Consider giving them a more extended lunch break or educating them about a project in a new way. If one of the changes has positive results, continue to put more in place.

Even if it’s new and not standard, you may very well set the stage for other employers. So don’t be afraid to contradict what other businesses assume is the right way to do things.

3. Employees Will Admire a Company That Takes Initiative

Employees love working for a company that takes the initiative to be the best out there. So step up and redo your company website. Or expand and relocate to a new office location if you’ve been putting it off.

The point is (and this is a big theme in this article) not being afraid of change. By switching things up, as an executive, you’ll have the support of your employees.

4. Things Will Run More Smoothly

Things can run a lot more smoothly when you switch things around in the office. For example, perhaps an employee is butting heads with their superior. And you’ve been putting off having them work with someone else.

If you’re dealing with this situation, it could be doing the company more harm than good. Don’t be afraid to upset the apple cart! Switching things around can benefit the company as opposed to causing chaos. The employees involved should understand and welcome a solution to their problem.

Once you bite the bullet, it’ll be liberating because things will get better!

5. Leads to Bigger and Better Things

Who says you have to hold your meeting indoors when there is a lovely sitting area outdoors? Everyone could use a breath of fresh air, and it may encourage more productivity.

And if your HR employee is suggesting a hiring policy improvement, let them take the reigns!

Once youstart breaking the rules such as these, you’ll feel encouraged to break more. Don’t worry; this is a good thing. Most of the time, positive change only leads to bigger and better things.

6. Forms New Partnerships

If part of the rules you’re breaking include changing how you work with other companies, that can be a good thing. Forming new partnerships takes work, but it’s worth the effort!

It could be that you need to switch up some policies to make a client more comfortable. Or, you’re not budging on the part of an agreement that isn’t really that big of a deal.

Work out the kinks so that negotiating an agreement goes well. As long as you don’t lose a lot of money, it can improve things in the long run.

A company may be so impressed with the work that they recommend you to another business.

7. Improves Employee Mental Health

You may be apprehensive about giving your employees more time off during the year. But if it’s a demanding job, they might deserve it!

If you all work at a law firm, it’s expected that some cases will take longer than others. Pulling 70 hour work weeks is happening, but your employees are getting overworked.

Decide to award the lawyers in your firm with well-deserved time off. Your employees may have been run down before, but not anymore!

By giving them time away, their mental health will remain a top priority.

There are many benefits to making your employees’ mental health important. It can result in them being more creative. Plus, they’ll be more eager to dedicate themselves to their role.

Conclusion

Ditching some of your business rules means getting out of your comfort zone. But many times, doing this leads to incredible things for your company.

The next time someone brings up some ideas for improvements, listen to their thoughts. Deciding to move forward with new ideas may mean you’ll have to break some rules. But in the long run, breaking specific rules will pay off!

Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with The Arch Denton to help them with their online marketing.