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Aibu- management imposing a money jar incase we say specific phrases

138 replies

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:11

So during my probation chat today my new manager (who started a few months after me- not sure if that's important or not) told me upper management are imposing a jar (sort of like a swear jar) for if we say phrases such as "how can I help you" or "what are you looking for today?"
She says they're putting it into all of our stores nationwide but I feel uneasy about it.

We work at a beauty retailer who are a huge worldwide chain. The money from the jar will be given to charity rather than in their pockets which makes me feel slightly better about it, however, I am still quiet unhappy about it, especially since she then back tracked and said they're trying to find anyway to get money in the tills.
They are trying to get us to avoid using the phrases as above but the money doesn't come out of our wages but instead the change we have on us at the time of our shift.

I told my manager today that I am literally working pay check to pay check so will not be contributing as I have a small child to feed. She said it's a light hearted incentive to get us to not use those phrases but I feel it's quite intrusive. I was also told we have no choice but to take part - I told her that I wouldn't.

I'm just looking for others opinions on this? Would you be happy to abide by this? Can they actually impose this? Or Am I just being over the top?

Thank you in advance Smile

OP posts:
StarryStarrySocks · 21/07/2021 19:13

What are you meant to say instead? Confused It sounds like a stupid idea to me, surely they cannot make you do this with your own money?!

Mycatismadeofstringcheese · 21/07/2021 19:14

How can something compulsory be lighthearted?

Also what’s wrong with those phrases? What alternative are they asking you to say?

waltzingparrot · 21/07/2021 19:15

What happens if you don't/never have any cash on you?

SupermanWithTheGreyHair · 21/07/2021 19:15

This is very odd. They can’t possibly make you pay. As a last resort, just don’t carry any cash with you to work.

Henio · 21/07/2021 19:16

You definitely do not have to participate in this

DPotter · 21/07/2021 19:17

Don't like compulsory fun / light-heartedness

I presume you're working for 'one of those companies' that scripts for its workforce rather than trusting them to engage naturally with their customers? Don't like them either

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:17

@Mycatismadeofstringcheese

How can something compulsory be lighthearted?

Also what’s wrong with those phrases? What alternative are they asking you to say?

She didn't tell me what we were meant to say instead.

Im glad im not the only one who thinks this is daft

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GreyhoundG1rl · 21/07/2021 19:18

What phrases are you supposed to use instead? Confused
Just ignore any arsehole who shakes a jar in your face, they can't possibly enforce such a moronic idea.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:18

@StarryStarrySocks

What are you meant to say instead? Confused It sounds like a stupid idea to me, surely they cannot make you do this with your own money?!
This is what I said but apparently other stores are already participating in this and already "have money in the jars"
OP posts:
chillied · 21/07/2021 19:18

what a terrible idea. in fact I thinking outrageous, fancy inflicting this idea on fellow human beings.

And what on earth is the line you're meant to parrot?

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:19

@DPotter

Don't like compulsory fun / light-heartedness

I presume you're working for 'one of those companies' that scripts for its workforce rather than trusting them to engage naturally with their customers? Don't like them either

We don't go by scripts- we just have to approach the customer and lightly encourage them to buy. I'm not overly keen on this and got a below standard on my probation because of it
OP posts:
Mantlemoose · 21/07/2021 19:20

That would be a big no from me but also would like to know what you've to say?

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 21/07/2021 19:20

You use the phrase “pay check” so I'm assuming you aren't in England. Does your country have the same employment laws as we do?

leakymcleakleak · 21/07/2021 19:21

OP if you are genuinely saying you got a below standard on your probation for objecting to your employer docking your wages, then you need to call ACAS. Or possibly a journalist.

chillied · 21/07/2021 19:22

So it's ISN'T to encourage the company approved greeting to a customer.

It's actually like a sort of joke about how often you have to say those phrases, a joke that's on you because you then cough up free money back to the company? Or charity, but who cares?

Fuck that!

Councilworker · 21/07/2021 19:22

I am not sure if this is legal if they tried to enforce it If you are on minimum wage or close to it this could drop you below it even if they aren't directly deducting it. They can't force you to carry cash to put in the jar and they can't make you show them your purse or whatever to prove there's no change in there.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:23

@AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair

You use the phrase “pay check” so I'm assuming you aren't in England. Does your country have the same employment laws as we do?
I am in England but just wasn't sure how to phrase it quickly. It's been a really emotional day and I just wanted back up of other peoples opinions on it before I go in tomorrow
OP posts:
LavendulaAngustifolia · 21/07/2021 19:23

Do you work on or close to minimum wage? If they try to take it out of your wage before it's paid to you and it takes you under the minimum wage, it is illegal.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:25

@LavendulaAngustifolia

Do you work on or close to minimum wage? If they try to take it out of your wage before it's paid to you and it takes you under the minimum wage, it is illegal.
We're on national minimum wage. They won't take it out of our wages but want us to give it out of what we have on us.

It's a way to encourage us not to use those phrases although haven't offered alternatives.

My manager said earlier that they would tell me to do my job properly and not use those phrases then I wouldn't have to contribute to the jar

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skipperjonce · 21/07/2021 19:25

It's Lush isn't it. Wankers.

MichelleScarn · 21/07/2021 19:26

You're not being asked to say things like
"How can we make you even more amazing today?!"

"Are you ready to shine like the star you are?!"

MichelleScarn · 21/07/2021 19:27

Posted too soon, or some other horrific tripe?! Grin

Riapia · 21/07/2021 19:27

MNHQ should have a jar like that.
For those that begin a post. “Didn’t want to read and run.”
Also “Are you me.” Or “I could have posted that.”

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:27

@skipperjonce

It's Lush isn't it. Wankers.
Hahaha no it's not... we're a big salon trade company..
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crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:28

@MichelleScarn

You're not being asked to say things like "How can we make you even more amazing today?!"

"Are you ready to shine like the star you are?!"

I should hope not Confused
OP posts: