Wendy's new bathroom policy went viral as several customers shared their disbelief online.
Reddit user @1jvj3 shared a photo of a sign at a Wendy's restaurant in Florida revealing that employees had to leave their phone with their manager during bathroom breaks.
"This sign was put in the breakroom last week. I just feel very weird about this rule and feel like it’s an overstep of boundaries on their part. I don’t think this is allowed?? Like most of my (21F) coworkers are grown adults, how are you gonna ask for their phones? I’m not sure if im overreacting and this is a standard rule or if this is actually weird on my manager’s part. I also want to add that this rule is only enforced while my GM is working, if she’s not there my shift managers really don’t care or ask for our phones. I just want other opinions," the Redditor wrote.
Wendy's has a strict policy prohibiting employees from using their phones during work hours with exceptions made for emergencies or business reasons, according to Google AI. Managers are also told to hold off on personal calls until they're on their break.
Several respondents said the rule went too far, claiming they'd "never" work at the restaurant, while others were more understanding.
"Someone is abusing their bathroom breaks and ruining it for the rest of you by 'going to the bathroom' for 15mins while they’re really watching Tik Tok," Reddit user @ExerciseFine9665 wrote in the top comment. "But a company can implement a complete no phone policy at work if they want to. This is a weird way and probably not approved by HR."