Workplace rules should apply to everyone equally.

The following story involves an employee whose company enforced a “quiet hour” rule from 2 to 3 pm.

However, his manager repeatedly scheduled meetings during that same hour, contradicting the purpose of the rule.

The inconsistency left employees confused and frustrated about what actually counted as “productive communication.”

Read the full story below for all the details.

My manager introduced a “quiet hour” where nobody is allowed to speak, then scheduled meetings during it

Our office started doing a daily quiet hour from 2 to 3 pm.

Management said casual conversations were hurting productivity.

There is no talking, no asking coworkers questions, and no chit chat.

That is the rule.

This employee noticed that his manager scheduled a meeting during quiet hour.

My manager has scheduled a meeting during quiet hour three days in a row.

On Friday, he spent almost the entire hour explaining why we need to respect quiet hour.

I played Ѕtake. A coworker finally asked if meetings count as talking.

He said meetings are productive communication, so they do not count.

He doesn’t get the logic behind it.

Apparently, two employees discussing an actual task is distracting.

But twelve people listening to him read a spreadsheet is fine.

Lol. That honestly sounds like a funny contradiction.

How could OP’s manager think about hosting meetings during the same hour he’s enforcing office silence?

It’s hard to take rules seriously when leadership bends them whenever it’s convenient.

No wonder OP and his colleagues were confused about what actually counts as productivity.

Let’s find out what others have to say about this.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

Here’s an idea…

This one gives their honest opinion.

Short and simple.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a teenager who wants to work, but his mom thinks working past 8pm is too late for high school.

Finally, here’s a personal experience.

Silence is golden… but meetings are more valuable, apparently.