Hard Work in 1852

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 minute 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.