Have you ever thought about what goes through the minds of employees while they perform their duties? Whether they work in retail, restaurants, or the corporate world, employees deal with a lot of problems that are rarely noticed by clients or even supervisors. Based on my experiences and what I have heard from my friends working in different sectors, here’s an insight into five things employees wish you knew about their workday. Let’s explore how, with a little extra effort on your part, their workday, along with yours, can become easier!
- Questions Can Pile Up Fast
During my barista job, I came across customers who asked endless questions about the menu items before placing an order. As a helper, I did everything I could to assist everyone. However, when an overzealous line formed outside the door, things got really difficult. Staff at customer-facing jobs, such as grocery stores and the LCBO, have to deal with a lot of questions from customers for at least part of their shifts—many of which are monitored by superiors for productivity purposes. People working with the public have to deal with all sorts of problems. Next time, try merging your questions or looking at signs and labels prior to presenting the question.
- Maintenance Prices Are Out of Their Control
One time, a client in a retail shop I worked in got mad over the pricing of some items, as it was higher than the estimate they had in mind. I completely understand their irritation, but I had no control over pricing set from above. Aldi employees or LCBO face similar complaints from customers even though the prices are set by higher management or according to their particular locations. If there are any price surprises, an inquiry to a manager is quicker than venting to a cashier.
- The Physical and Emotional Toll Is Real
In the retail sector, work-life balance is entirely absent. There are ranges of difficult tasks at work. I remember some shifts in which I would climb alongside hefty boxes for several hours only to face a difficult customer afterward. Slowly, the customers who enter LCBO on a daily basis tend to begin their shifts with 40-pound boxes of wine and deal with mean customers on top of poor staffing. Add to this the emotional burden of smiling despite feeling angry, and it makes it all so draining. Your small acts of kindness add up much quicker than you would expect in recharging a worker’s day.
- They Can’t Prevent Theft, But They Observe It
Shoplifting is a sore point for employees. I remember during my retail life, I watched some packing items into bags. During my time working at places like LCBO, employees are told that they should not step in as the staff. At these locations, security is also often very courteous or not available. If you notice misappropriation, tell it to someone who matters. Tell it to the manager or, even better, inform the head office. You, as a customer, provide so much information.
- Attention to Detail Is a Skill
Have you ever loved a product so much but forgot its name? I have experienced both scenarios—trying to provide help as a staff member and hearing the questions being thrown. If the LCBO employees could only wish that customers would take a photo of the wine bottle they enjoyed or know its label and grapes. This happens everywhere: providing employees with some details makes your problem-solving abilities much easier. 2,080 hours working every year The Controlio tool is great because it tracks your work hours and helps you stay on task rather than guessing how long you worked that day. In a year when you work 2,080 hours, every minute counts, and you want maximum efficiency.
Wrap Up: A Bit of Understanding Can Help a Lot
Every business has its employees who face multiple questions, physical workloads, and tough situations to handle with a pleasing face—they are multitaskers. Helping them out means being in their shoes for a second. They do not control prices, can’t prevent theft, and require specifics to assist you. During my time under the counter, I learned that small gestures, like offering a kind word, go towards honing the atmosphere everywhere. So, extend some sympathy the next time you are at a store. It’s a win-win for all those hours in a year.