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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:
Bythemillpond · 22/07/2021 10:26

I never carry cash
You could just tap the jar with your credit card

EastWestWhosBest · 22/07/2021 10:53

It’s always middle management who do this kind of shit. They don’t actually work on the shop floor. They have no sodding idea.

timeisnotaline · 22/07/2021 11:04

This is so illegal. The op has said she is on minimum wage. Hard no. The poster who gave lots of questions was great.
So is this voluntary? Oh it’s not- where is the policy, I’d like to see it? Why? Because I’m confused as to how you can make this legal when it takes me below minimum wage, but I’m sure the policy will explain.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 22/07/2021 11:41

You could just tap the jar with your credit card

I use RockPay, which is a brand new system combining something you always carry with you everywhere you go - your beloved Pet Brick - with software enabling you to make payment direct from your bank. It usually works well, but often requires quite a hefty 'tap' for the NFC to engage....

Does anyone like being approached in a shop? Anyone?

I don't go into a shop wanting to be pounced on and harried any more than I have a phone or a front door because I want cold sales calls.

crapcrap · 22/07/2021 12:01

@WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll

You could just tap the jar with your credit card

I use RockPay, which is a brand new system combining something you always carry with you everywhere you go - your beloved Pet Brick - with software enabling you to make payment direct from your bank. It usually works well, but often requires quite a hefty 'tap' for the NFC to engage....

Does anyone like being approached in a shop? Anyone?

I don't go into a shop wanting to be pounced on and harried any more than I have a phone or a front door because I want cold sales calls.

I love rockpay! I'm jumping on this one Grin
OP posts:
daisychain01 · 22/07/2021 13:30

What your employer is asking you to do is unenforceable.

Just politely decline to put a penny piece into their jar and see what happens.

You can always look for a new job in an organisation that treats its staff like humans ...

crapcrap · 23/07/2021 06:51

Quick update-
Not much opportunity to speak to management about it today as I was on a short shift, however, I spoke to one of my colleagues who I must've spoken to the manager about it. My colleague text me last night to say the jar has been scrapped! No explanation at the moment but will hopefully get one today.

Thank you for all your help DaffodilDaffodil

OP posts:
KnightandDay · 23/07/2021 09:42

Well that sounds good OP, no doubt you weren't the only one questioning this bizarre practice!

Karwomannghia · 23/07/2021 09:50

Glad it’s not happening but who would police it anyway? What a ridiculous idea!

SeasonFinale · 23/07/2021 17:29

@crapcrap

Quick update- Not much opportunity to speak to management about it today as I was on a short shift, however, I spoke to one of my colleagues who I must've spoken to the manager about it. My colleague text me last night to say the jar has been scrapped! No explanation at the moment but will hopefully get one today.

Thank you for all your help DaffodilDaffodil

The District Manager is on mumsnet and saw the thread and realised what a twatty idea it was (waves to District Manager).
crapcrap · 23/07/2021 17:48

@SeasonFinale I wish! The other stores are still doing it- just ours won't because I made a little bit of a fuss. My manager relayed that I was "very upset" so she still doesn't understand that I'm not upset about it, I was pissed but hey ho.
We're going to be thinking of another incentive. I will be suggesting a few positive ones lol

OP posts:
Toothdrama · 24/07/2021 11:08

I would make the suggestion that they offer incentives for sales.

When I worked for a shoe store whoever sold the most amount of handbags got a gift card at the end of the quarter. A little bit of In house competition and a reward for doing well.

Anything like that would need to be proportionate and fair if hours worked are very different. A point scheme is good, do a worker gets points for doing certain things that can then be exchanged for a gift card so it may take a part time longer to build but its still equal.

Punishment drops staff morale but incentives gives them a focus and something to achieve.

covetingthepreciousthings · 25/07/2021 15:46

This is bonkers. What are they thinking!?

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