Billion-dollar HR start-up issues bizarre “no-sex” ban

The San Francisco-based software company has sent out an unusual HR request, cracking down on “crude” employee behaviour.

A billion-dollar HR start-up has been forced to issue a strict “no-sex” ban after rowdy employees were found to be drinking, smoking and having sexual liaisons on company property.

“It has been brought to our attention by building management and Security that the stairwells are being used inappropriately,” said an email from Zenefits’ director of real estate, Emily Agin.

“Cigarettes, plastic cups filled with beer, and several used condoms were found in the stairwell. Yes, you read that right,” continues the email, obtained by the Wall Street Journal.

The start-up – which offers HR professionals a platform to manage a multitude of tasks including payroll, benefits, and compliance – launched less than three years ago and is already valued at over US$4.5billion.

COO David Sacks, who stepped into the role a little over a year ago, issued an official alcohol ban last week, saying “it is too difficult to define and parse what is ‘appropriate’ versus ‘inappropriate’ drinking in the office.”

It’s reported that the renowned entrepreneur and angel investor plans to put an end to the “party culture” that has been prevalent within the company up until now.

“It is time to turn the page at Zenefits and embrace a new set of corporate values and culture,” stressed Zenefits spokesman Kenneth Baer.

“Zenefits is now focused on developing business practices that will ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, and making certain that the company operates with integrity as its number-one value, he added.


More like this:
Ellen DeGeneres does HR
Four ways to reduce staff turnover
How Warehouse Stationery came back from the brink

Recent articles & video

Worker quits after employer bans personal use of company vehicle

New Zealand's unemployment rate rises to 4.3%

New Zealand's remote call centre employees asked to come to office

'FOMO' trips: Hybrid, remote work encouraging more business travel

Most Read Articles

Employer tells worker: 'I think it's best we call it quits'

Women in data: What's preventing women from pursuing a career in tech?

Worker quits after employer bans personal use of company vehicle