The Decline of Adultism in Call Center Restroom Policies

Have you ever worked in a call center where you had to raise your hand for the rest room? No such rule has ever been enforced in my years of working and hiring for various jobs. Typically, when you are hired, the rules are clearly outlined, either during the hiring process or in the employee handbook, or they are an unspoken norm that you quickly learn. However, such restrictive policies can be flagged as adultism, a form of discrimination that demeans and disrespects adult employees by treating them as immature or dependent.

Adultism in the Workplace

Adultism is the discrimination and dehumanization of adults based on perceived immaturity, incompetence, or dependence. In the context of call centers, requiring employees to raise their hand for restroom breaks can be seen as a salient example of adultism. This policy transforms a necessary aspect of working into a coercive act, which can lead to discomfort, frustration, and ultimately, demotivation among employees.

In the scenario described, the call center faced immediate resistance when a new rule was imposed during training. The employee in question, who had over three decades of work experience, found the policy unacceptable. This reaction is indicative of the broader issue of adultism in the workplace, where employers often fail to recognize the autonomy and professionalism of their adult employees.

Why Adultism Hurts

Employers who resort to such policies are not only neglecting their employees' basic needs but also sending a message that they do not value their employees as capable adults. This can have several negative repercussions:

**Reduced Productivity:** Employees who feel disrespected and undervalued are less likely to perform at their best. The stress and resentment caused by such policies can significantly impact productivity and morale.

**Increased Turnover:** Employees who feel mistreated are more likely to leave the company, leading to higher employee turnover rates and increased costs associated with recruitment and training.

**Bad Company Reputation:** Publicizing such policies can harm the company's reputation and attractiveness to potential candidates, making it difficult to attract and retain top talent.

Evolving Workplace Norms

Absurd policies like the one described in the call center are becoming increasingly rare in modern workplaces. Employers are becoming more aware of the importance of treating adult employees with respect and professionalism. Forward-thinking companies are taking steps to implement fair and reasonable policies that do not stifle their employees' autonomy.

For instance, allowing employees to use the restroom at their discretion, as is common in most professional environments, is a much more humane and efficient approach. By recognizing the maturity and professionalism of their employees, companies can create a positive work environment that fosters productivity, loyalty, and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, requiring employees to raise their hand to go to the restroom is a relic of the more immature and disrespectful workplace policies of the past. Such policies do not serve the best interests of the employer or the employees. By treating all employees as responsible and capable adults, companies can create a work environment that promotes productivity, job satisfaction, and a positive company culture.