This document from 1852 outlines extremely strict workplace rules and expectations for clerical staff in an office in England after new labor laws reduced their hours from 7am to 6pm. It dictated policies around punctuality, dress code, taking breaks only to eat between 11:30am-12pm while still working, providing their own pens, and heavy cleaning duties before and after work hours. The owners acknowledged the "generosity" of the new labor laws but expected a large increase in productivity to compensate for the new "near-utopian" conditions.

1. To All Those Who Don’t Feel Like Working Today

2. Look at what you would have had to endure if you had gone to work today in England 156 years ago

3. Does the boss get on your nerves? Does he raise an eye When you spend too much time at lunch ?

4. Leave your desk and talk about un-office matters ? Or…..

5. …… ..get upset when “Sir” asks you to stay after 5 p.m. to finish a letter?

6. LIFE is HARD!

7. “ The Good Old Days”

8. Are Are gone

9. They came back to life recently when an elderly building was bought to the ground by demolition men in England

10. There, among the rubble, was a document, dated 1852 and headed “ Office Staff Practices,”

11. Directed at the clerical staff who had just “benefitted” from the new Labour Laws of those days. It stated:

12. Godliness, Cleanliness, and Punctuality … .are the necessities of a good business.

13. This firm has reduced the hours of work, and the clerical staff will now only have to be present from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m .

14. Daily prayers will be held each morning in the main office . The clerical staff will be present.

15. Clothing must be of a sober nature. The clerical staff will not disport themselves in raiment of bright colours.

16. Overshoes and topcoats may not be worn in the office.

17. … ..but neck scarves and headwear may be worn in inclement weather only .

18. A stove is provided for the benefit of the clerical staff.

19. Coal and wood must be kept in the locker.

20. It is recommended that each member of the clerical staff bring four pounds of coal each day during cold weather

21. Talking is not allowed during the hours of Business.

22. No member of the clerical staff may leave the room without permission of Mr. Rogers.

23. The calls of nature are permitted and clerical staff may …….

24. use the garden below the second gate This area must be kept in good order .

25. The craving of tobacco, wines or spirits……

26. …… ..is a human weakness and as such is forbidden to members of the staff.

27. Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced the partaking of food……. 7 am to 6 pm

28. …… .is allowed between 11:30 a.m. and noon, but work will not, on any account, cease.

29. Members of the clerical staff will provide their own pens.

30. Mr. Rogers will nominate a senior clerk to be responsible for the cleanliness of the main office and also the private office .

31. All boys and juniors will report to him 40 minutes before prayers and will remain after closing hours for similar work.

32. Brushes, brooms, scrubbers and soap provided by the owners .

33. The owners recognize the generosity of the new labour laws, but expect a great rise in output of work……..

34. …… ..to compensate for these near – utopian conditions.

35. Are you happy with your work, Miss Smith? Or is utopia a little too much for you?

36. … ..don’t you just feel like jumping into your car, drive to work and give your boss a big hug?