Since when do shift workers need to wait for permission before leaving once their shift ends? Are you going to pay overtime? No? Okay, bye then!
When redditor u/Brooklynisqueerr gave their manager a heads up once their shift had ended, OP was rightfully confused when their manager seemed angry and annoyed. She even made up a new rule on the spot: "Next time you need to wait for a manager to let you go home." Instead of fighting with the boss, OP complied…maliciously.
Redditor u/zubyzubyzoo added, "The thing is, if she had had a real conversation with you the first thing, you probably wouldn't have even thought of it again. It always pays off to treat your employees like people and with respect."
Redditor u/vanhawk28 noted that this sort of policy isn't legal in the United States anymore. "I believe there were several court cases about this and almost everywhere it is illegal now for a business to require you to either have a bag check, or lock the doors, or literally anything after clocking out. Have to have clocking out be your absolute last task."
u/Puoaper explained that this sort of policy works well if the manager is prohibited from refusing to let an employee leave.
"This is the most logical answer." u/batmessiah agreed. "I'm lucky to not have a manager on site, so if I have to leave, I just tell a colleague, so they know not to look for me if there's a fire/emergency."
"I think it is a great system." u/Puoaper replied. "It works very smoothly and keeps everyone honest. Most importantly it doesn't treat anyone like children. Everyone is responsible for managing their own time off. You can use it as you like but once you run out for the year you are out. Simple as."