A frustrated employee recently shared an unusual rule imposed by their manager: no social media use during work hours. The individual, who had just graduated and joined a mid-sized company in a cloud support role, described the experience on the subreddit Indian Workplace.
They mentioned that the company operates in a somewhat unconventional manner, often referred to informally as a “LALA company,” though they didn’t elaborate further. During a recent team meeting, the supervising manager explicitly instructed the staff not to check WhatsApp or Instagram while on the clock.
The post quickly drew reactions from other Reddit users. Several compared the workplace environment to a school, with one remarking that it resembled a “school for paid employees.” Another commenter argued that if workers are prohibited from using social apps during office hours, employers should similarly refrain from expecting employees to respond to work-related messages after hours, emphasizing that respect for boundaries should go both ways.
Other users shared their own perspectives based on long-term professional experience. One person highlighted that in their twelve years of full-time work, no one ever restricted them from checking social media during office hours. Performance and timely completion of tasks mattered more than monitoring personal activity, and micromanagement in employees’ free time was generally unheard of. They suggested that those facing strict control over minor aspects of work life either assert themselves or consider seeking employment elsewhere.
The term “LALA company” sparked further discussion, with some users describing workplaces where employees are required to store their phones and related devices in lockers before beginning their day. In contrast, other workplaces focus solely on results: as long as deliverables are met, personal habits during work hours are largely irrelevant.
Several contributors stressed that productivity, rather than rigid oversight, should define professional expectations. Whether employees complete their work during traditional office hours or beyond, the key measure is whether tasks are finished effectively. The thread underscored a shared sentiment that workplaces should prioritize outcomes over policing minor behaviors, and employees should feel empowered to maintain personal autonomy while fulfilling their responsibilities.
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They mentioned that the company operates in a somewhat unconventional manner, often referred to informally as a “LALA company,” though they didn’t elaborate further. During a recent team meeting, the supervising manager explicitly instructed the staff not to check WhatsApp or Instagram while on the clock.
The post quickly drew reactions from other Reddit users. Several compared the workplace environment to a school, with one remarking that it resembled a “school for paid employees.” Another commenter argued that if workers are prohibited from using social apps during office hours, employers should similarly refrain from expecting employees to respond to work-related messages after hours, emphasizing that respect for boundaries should go both ways.
Other users shared their own perspectives based on long-term professional experience. One person highlighted that in their twelve years of full-time work, no one ever restricted them from checking social media during office hours. Performance and timely completion of tasks mattered more than monitoring personal activity, and micromanagement in employees’ free time was generally unheard of. They suggested that those facing strict control over minor aspects of work life either assert themselves or consider seeking employment elsewhere.
The term “LALA company” sparked further discussion, with some users describing workplaces where employees are required to store their phones and related devices in lockers before beginning their day. In contrast, other workplaces focus solely on results: as long as deliverables are met, personal habits during work hours are largely irrelevant.
Several contributors stressed that productivity, rather than rigid oversight, should define professional expectations. Whether employees complete their work during traditional office hours or beyond, the key measure is whether tasks are finished effectively. The thread underscored a shared sentiment that workplaces should prioritize outcomes over policing minor behaviors, and employees should feel empowered to maintain personal autonomy while fulfilling their responsibilities.
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