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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:
WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 21/07/2021 20:38

Hmm, could any experienced Twitterers maybe hashtag both the Prince's Trust and 'Sarah's' and begin a public 'discussion' about this?

It doesn't matter however worthy the charity is - it must be illegal to extort 'donations' from people unwillingly.

PiffleWiffleWoozle · 21/07/2021 20:39

I would give the sun news desk a call and see if they would pay anything for an anonymous tip off for the story.

PiffleWiffleWoozle · 21/07/2021 20:39

Don’t let them take your name or photo or any personal details though.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 21/07/2021 20:39

Sounds like bright spark idea from person with little grasp of employment law in UK

The last five words were completely unnecessary there...

MakkaPakkas · 21/07/2021 20:40

You could say
'you can't polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter!'
You look like you've just sucked a lemon, and I've got just the lipstick to finish the look
What do you dickheads want?
Fuck off out of my shop
Etc...

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 20:42

@WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll

Hmm, could any experienced Twitterers maybe hashtag both the Prince's Trust and 'Sarah's' and begin a public 'discussion' about this?

It doesn't matter however worthy the charity is - it must be illegal to extort 'donations' from people unwillingly.

I feel I have to be very careful with this company. I don't think they'd hesitate to protect their image. I was just wondering if I was being over the top about it but I'm glad others agree with me!
OP posts:
Theunamedcat · 21/07/2021 20:42

Of course they are going to say every other store is doing it and has money in the tin already 🙄

Think about this, if they have money in there tins already they are getting the exact same directionless management as you

MakkaPakkas · 21/07/2021 20:43

Or, you've got a face like a slapped arse, why not try our new foundation?

NoYOUbekind · 21/07/2021 20:44

I would be tempted to go in with a pocket full of buttons and other assorted shit that ends up in the bottom of a handbag, but then I'm thrawn like that.

They can't fine you - seek advice, raise it as an issue, but meanwhile brush up your CV because they sound terrible to work for.

Also it is a while since I worked in retail but we were absolutely never allowed to be on the shop floor with any cash in our pockets - has that changed?

theotherfossilsister · 21/07/2021 20:44

It's Lush isn't it?

They treated me appallingly.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 20:45

@PiffleWiffleWoozle

I would give the sun news desk a call and see if they would pay anything for an anonymous tip off for the story.
Not a bad idea- I could then use the money to put in the jar when I accidentally ask customers if I can help Grin
OP posts:
theotherfossilsister · 21/07/2021 20:45

Ah cross posted, sorry.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 20:45

@theotherfossilsister

It's Lush isn't it?

They treated me appallingly.

It's not lush... but I'm sad that lush we're similar- I love lush, now won't shop there if they're like that Sad
OP posts:
CovidCorvid · 21/07/2021 20:45

Wow, what shit employers. I’d also be job hunting, manager sounds a total twat.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 20:46

@NoYOUbekind

I would be tempted to go in with a pocket full of buttons and other assorted shit that ends up in the bottom of a handbag, but then I'm thrawn like that.

They can't fine you - seek advice, raise it as an issue, but meanwhile brush up your CV because they sound terrible to work for.

Also it is a while since I worked in retail but we were absolutely never allowed to be on the shop floor with any cash in our pockets - has that changed?

We're only allowed to have our stuff in the staff room so no, no cash on the shop floor etc. But I like the buttons idea- I have loads lying around
OP posts:
WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 21/07/2021 20:48

I feel I have to be very careful with this company. I don't think they'd hesitate to protect their image. I was just wondering if I was being over the top about it but I'm glad others agree with me!

Nobody ever need mention you or this thread (not that you can be traced through your MN account for telling the truth, unless you were implicated in a police matter) - they can just say they heard what sounds like a ridiculous and outrageous rumour from a friend of a friend and they wanted to just double-check that this company has, would and will never consider actually doing something as nasty as this.

No offence, OP, but you can't be their only employee who isn't totally 100% happy with them for this policy.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 20:50

@WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll

I feel I have to be very careful with this company. I don't think they'd hesitate to protect their image. I was just wondering if I was being over the top about it but I'm glad others agree with me!

Nobody ever need mention you or this thread (not that you can be traced through your MN account for telling the truth, unless you were implicated in a police matter) - they can just say they heard what sounds like a ridiculous and outrageous rumour from a friend of a friend and they wanted to just double-check that this company has, would and will never consider actually doing something as nasty as this.

No offence, OP, but you can't be their only employee who isn't totally 100% happy with them for this policy.

I agree with you! I'm sure I can't be the only one whose not okay with this.

Im going to see how the other girls react tomorrow when I see them tomorrow- not sure if they know or not yet. It was put in place a few weeks back but our managed hasn't yet as she wasn't "happy" with it either although she says she's going to enforce it so she doesn't get into trouble

OP posts:
WhereYouLeftIt · 21/07/2021 20:54

"it seemed as if the other stores are happy to do it so I wasn't sure if I was just over reacting!"

I very much doubt that this is true - I presume your useless manager said this? Shades of 'but everybody else's parents said yes!' from a teenager.

You are not over-reacting OP, it's a shit idea and they could whistle for getting any money out of me.

Flamglimglubberty · 21/07/2021 20:54

@GreyhoundG1rl

It was presented to us under the pretence that what was in the jar at the end of the month would be put toward team drinks. Nobody wanted to do it, out of 10 of us only 2 refused. We refused quite gleefully, always going back to the point that they'd have to physically remove the money from us or alternatively discuss it with HR present.

The team drinks never materialised, the manager did a runner with the jar!

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 21/07/2021 20:59

Can you say alternative things like,
"How's you doing, you great dollop?"
"What the f*ck would you like today?
" Howda like our new customer service approach, twat face? "
" My oh my, you're a bit sweaty, don't s'pose you want a coffee do you? "

standupsitdownturnaround · 21/07/2021 21:09

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles

Can you say alternative things like, "How's you doing, you great dollop?" "What the f*ck would you like today? " Howda like our new customer service approach, twat face? " " My oh my, you're a bit sweaty, don't s'pose you want a coffee do you? "
Amazing Smile
Danikm151 · 21/07/2021 21:16

Companies aren’t allowed to force you to give money to charity.
All charitable donations must be voluntary so by implementing this they are breaking the law.

AddressLabel · 21/07/2021 21:17

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles

Can you say alternative things like, "How's you doing, you great dollop?" "What the f*ck would you like today? " Howda like our new customer service approach, twat face? " " My oh my, you're a bit sweaty, don't s'pose you want a coffee do you? "
I would arrange for a friend to come in and use as many phrases like this as possible on them just for shits and giggles.
emmetgirl · 21/07/2021 21:21

How ridiculous. I'd tell them to do one. What fuckwit came up with such an idiotic idea?

BillyIsMyBunny · 21/07/2021 21:36

YANBU at all. I’m glad lots of posters have given lots of great advice regarding how to approach this with your manager and hopefully the idea will be quickly revoked.