Lately, I have been noticing a number of articles with regard to Customer Service and retail employees, being posted on the web. Some articles pertain to opinions on the matter, while others discuss statistics. But I have yet to read an article, giving any detail, as to the type of work that is performed by this workforce. No one has described what lengths these employees must go to in order to maintain these jobs, at least not to my knowledge.
I divide this type of job into three categories; physical, mental and legal. With all of the lifting, pulling, walking, stretching, bending and standing, the body slowly begins to break down. Then you have to take into account all of the different procedures, programs, personalities, changes, currency, theft and whatever else may occur - that's the mental. And if you work in a store that handles tobacco and alcohol, then you are held legally responsible for these sales.
When purchasing alcohol, and a customer looks to be under 40 (this may vary), customers will be asked to provide their Drivers License and to remove it from their wallet, for a better inspection of dates, photo, authenticity and state hologram, If a customer does not have a Drivers License, then they are asked to provide a state issued ID. If neither of these identifications can be provided, then the customer is denied the sale. If either the Drivers License or ID are expired, again, the customer is denied the sale. If a group of young adults try to purchase alcohol, then each person will be required to provide the necessary identification. If one of the parties cannot, or is not of legal age, then there is no sale. Even if only one of the parties is doing the purchasing. If the employee makes the sale without proper verification, and the customer turns out to be a minor, they can lose their job, be fined and/or jailed. An employee never knows if they are being set up by an undercover agent. And should a customer already be a little intoxicated, then again, the employee is held responsible and must deny the sale. Then of course there is the issue as to how the customer will react, to the employee, should an alcohol sale be denied. It definitely can put one on their guard and sometimes become a rather stressful situation.
These people, that provide these services, wear many hats and only get paid for one job. Their day is never really planned, because they have to take whatever comes their way, at any given moment. And although these employees, at times, are talked down to, verbally abused and criticized, they will clock back in the next day and try again. This type of workforce provides much to society by performing services, that many would not want to do. I am proud to say, that I am a part of this workforce. But, then again, I work in an atmosphere that provides me with support, am surrounded by employees that are dedicated and serve many customers who treat me with respect.
So the next time you happen to read an article that discusses, or gives an opinion, on Customer Service and/or retail employees, please ask yourself just one question; "Would I be able to do, what these people do?" Better yet, "Would I want to do, what these people do?"
Talk at ya later!
I divide this type of job into three categories; physical, mental and legal. With all of the lifting, pulling, walking, stretching, bending and standing, the body slowly begins to break down. Then you have to take into account all of the different procedures, programs, personalities, changes, currency, theft and whatever else may occur - that's the mental. And if you work in a store that handles tobacco and alcohol, then you are held legally responsible for these sales.
When purchasing alcohol, and a customer looks to be under 40 (this may vary), customers will be asked to provide their Drivers License and to remove it from their wallet, for a better inspection of dates, photo, authenticity and state hologram, If a customer does not have a Drivers License, then they are asked to provide a state issued ID. If neither of these identifications can be provided, then the customer is denied the sale. If either the Drivers License or ID are expired, again, the customer is denied the sale. If a group of young adults try to purchase alcohol, then each person will be required to provide the necessary identification. If one of the parties cannot, or is not of legal age, then there is no sale. Even if only one of the parties is doing the purchasing. If the employee makes the sale without proper verification, and the customer turns out to be a minor, they can lose their job, be fined and/or jailed. An employee never knows if they are being set up by an undercover agent. And should a customer already be a little intoxicated, then again, the employee is held responsible and must deny the sale. Then of course there is the issue as to how the customer will react, to the employee, should an alcohol sale be denied. It definitely can put one on their guard and sometimes become a rather stressful situation.
These people, that provide these services, wear many hats and only get paid for one job. Their day is never really planned, because they have to take whatever comes their way, at any given moment. And although these employees, at times, are talked down to, verbally abused and criticized, they will clock back in the next day and try again. This type of workforce provides much to society by performing services, that many would not want to do. I am proud to say, that I am a part of this workforce. But, then again, I work in an atmosphere that provides me with support, am surrounded by employees that are dedicated and serve many customers who treat me with respect.
So the next time you happen to read an article that discusses, or gives an opinion, on Customer Service and/or retail employees, please ask yourself just one question; "Would I be able to do, what these people do?" Better yet, "Would I want to do, what these people do?"
Talk at ya later!
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