Turned off the first day of "work!"

Janet Parkhurst

February 4,2020 at 8:12PM UTC

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I started a part-time job just yesterday at an upscale women's boutique-type store, which is inhabited by all, somewhat older female workers, but dominated, I feel, by one young, male manager. I get the feeling they all tiptoe around him, as there seems to be no camaraderie amongst them. That I can deal with (I think), but what really bothered me was that, at the end of my training shift, it was explained that all the female employees have to open their purses and empty their coat pockets before leaving the store in order to ensure no theft(s) has taken place during their shifts. This "routine check" happens in front of the customers! I find this demeaning and degrading, and do not want to go back. I was so upset I didn't sleep all night. I do not want to work in an environment of mistrust. I cannot fathom how a woman can work hard on the floor for hours and then be "checked" for theft! I thought that's what a background check was for, and we've all been through one, so I don't get it. And I can't help but wonder if the manager has to empty HIS pockets before leaving. Somehow, I doubt it. There are plenty of part-time jobs out there and I just want to be happy in whichever one I choose. Any advice?

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Robin StoneFebruary 4,2020 at 9:12PM UTC
I agree that is a demeaning but effective process they have in place. If it’s not sitting well with you and you feel it won’t take long for another opportunity, then call your manager and politely inform them that you will not be returning.
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J.S. RomanFebruary 4,2020 at 9:13PM UTC
How would you feel about perhaps asking if the "check" can be done privately instead of within the customer's view? I agree, i would not want to see that as a customer. When I worked retail, we did checks when everyone was gone; Prior to punching out whether on the computer or in the back room. We would also have someone do the check... If it makes you uncomfortable then make it known. Physically walk to a more private area to have the person check!
Maybe you could also give it another week or two before deciding to leave. Meanwhile, be yourself, try to focus on helping the customers.
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AnonymousFebruary 4,2020 at 9:50PM UTC
That sounds like a huge violation of privacy, I would go over their heads and complain to their supervisors anonymously, most corporate jewelers have an HR department, if privately owned maybe check with the local laws and consult a lawyer. I'm pretty sure that's a violation of privacy because your wallet undoubtedly contains private info: credit card #'s, home address etc. and they are not allowed to display that to the general public at any time for your safety.
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Janet ParkhurstFebruary 4,2020 at 10:00PM UTC
Thanks, Girl! It has been 24 hours since the incident and I am still "feeling it." They don't look into wallets or anything like that, thank God. They just check to make sure an item isn't wedged into the purse of pockets. They DO have a corporate home office that I could call, perhaps anonymously. Or, I could check with other managers at similar boutiques in the mall to see if they're doing it as well.
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Janet ParkhurstFebruary 4,2020 at 9:53PM UTC
Thank you, Robin. I am hearing now that it is a common practice, and that employees are known to shoplift more than the public. (What kind of a world are we living in?) I'll give it another day before I decide, but I feel as though the hard-working women there are treated like children (or would-be criminals) via this practice. I also like J.S.'s advice--to at least voice my concerns and ask that it be done in private. I DO think it's humiliating done by the door, with customers coming in and going out. J.S., you're right. Who wants to see that?
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Vikki Mueller EspinosaFebruary 4,2020 at 11:16PM UTC
When you find another job, send a detailed and unemotional letter to the head of the company with the reason why you did not feel comfortable working for them. Most leaders don't know what their first line managers are up to. If they do know, then it might fall on deaf ears. If they don't know, you might make it better for future employees.
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Janet ParkhurstFebruary 5,2020 at 1:17AM UTC
WTF does this have to do with anything? I think YOU'RE a scammer.
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Kimberly McFebruary 5,2020 at 12:08PM UTC
I reported the spammer.
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AnonymousFebruary 15,2020 at 6:39AM UTC
I’d be turned off, too, but worth learning if there is a back story— is it possible that the establishment was burned by employee theft?
I do agree that these searches— if they are indeed necessary— should be conducted privately. I can’t imagine that seeing such searches would induce customers to buy or to make repeat visits.
After all, if management doesn’t trust the staff, why should the customer?
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