Office Chair Not Allowed to Sit

Whether an office chair is not allowed to be sat on needs to be judged based on specific circumstances and cannot be generalized.

Legal Aspect

China's Labor Law of the People's Republic of China and related laws and regulations do not explicitly prohibit employers from making specific regulations regarding employees' work postures or states. The act of 'not allowing to sit' is not directly illegal in itself.

Rules and Regulations Aspect

• Clear and reasonable regulations: If an employer's rules and regulations clearly stipulate that employees must maintain a standing posture during work, and this regulation does not violate mandatory provisions of laws and regulations and does not harm employees' physical health, then requiring employees not to sit during work may be legal. However, employers should ensure a reasonable work environment to avoid health hazards caused by prolonged standing for employees. For example, for certain job positions that require long-term standing or walking, if the company can prove that this regulation is for work needs, it may be legally recognized. Nevertheless, employees' physical health and reasonable rest needs should also be considered.
• No regulations: If an employer's rules and regulations do not make specific provisions regarding employees' work postures, then unilaterally requiring employees not to sit during work may lack legal basis. Employees have the right to request employers to provide reasonable working conditions, including appropriate work postures.

Judgment of Illegal Situations

• Violation of labor safety and hygiene regulations: 'Not allowing to sit on a stool' itself does not directly equate to failing to provide labor safety and hygiene conditions. However, if prolonged standing work is carried out without providing appropriate rest facilities or conditions, resulting in damage to employees' physical health, the employer may be held legally liable for violating labor safety and hygiene regulations.
• Constituting disguised corporal punishment or discrimination: If an employer uses 'not allowing to sit on a stool' as a punishment measure for employees or only implements this behavior against specific employees, it may constitute disguised corporal punishment or discrimination. Employees have the right to complain to the labor administrative department and request the employer to bear corresponding legal responsibilities.

In addition, from the perspective of Feng Shui, allowing others to sit on an office chair when doing business is suspected of having outsiders seize the business, but this is not a consideration from the perspective of legal and reasonable work arrangements.