Everyone Scatter
Do you ever sit in your cubicle, or stand on the shop floor, and suddenly find yourself doing something you’d rather no one caught you doing? Maybe it’s something silly, like popping a pimple, or tying a shoelace. Sometimes, though, you might be doing something that’d be completely mortifying – especially if your manager or boss happened to walk by.
Thankfully, they don’t really see what their employees are doing all the time. Or, do they? Chances are, in just about any work environment these days, you’re going to find cameras somewhere. They might be obvious- but then again, they might not be. Or, your boss could have exceptionally good hearing, or just always know the “right moment” to show up. Who knows what they really see? Here are stories from bosses who share a few of the things their employees don’t think they notice…
As Long As It’s Done
My favorite is how they slack off when we aren’t there. It never really stops being funny when I emerge from my office to see four people scatter from their spots around the water cooler. Another three become really interested in their staplers. Everyone else’s heads jerk back to their PC’s so fast, I’m surprised that we don’t get mass call-outs for whiplash.
And yes, I sometimes bolt out of my office abruptly to see how fast everyone can fake-resume working. It’s hilarious. I’ve been in their shoes, though. I know that you just need a mental break sometimes, but wow. It’s like watching mice get caught in the garbage. I don’t ever remember moving that quickly for any of my bosses. But, to be honest, I probably did. Reddit user: Shazam_Shazaar
I Do Remember Those Things
I have this one employee who will stream shows on her second computer screen while half-working on the other. I honestly don’t even really care, because this only happens when she’s alone in the office, but the excuse of “someone told me I needed to see this one scene” makes us both look dumb. Especially since we have a pretty chill work environment.
It’s in our policy. We don’t really care how the work gets done, as long as it’s finished on time and is accurate. I guess that’s not a thing everywhere. It just seems to me that it shouldn’t matter if an employee is watching TV while they work, so long as they’re working. Some people work better with background noise. Reddit user: [redacted]
Wishing You All The Best
There’s the typical “slacking but pretending to work.” But, you know what I really notice? I notice when they go above and beyond. Sometimes they’ll take on tasks they didn’t need to, or help out their coworkers. No one ever really mentions it, but I see it, and I remember it when they ask me for a day off on short notice because something big came up.
You know what, you wonderful, helpful person? Have at it. Enjoy your day off. Call out “well.” I don’t know. Go crazy. Well, maybe not too crazy, we still need you the next day. I remember the not-so-great things, too, of course. Like constantly calling out, chronic lateness, or spreading gossip. For every genuinely good worker, I’d say we’ve got about five or six who… just aren’t. Reddit user: [redacted]
I Wonder How The Coffee Is
I know this particular employee doesn’t have as many doctor’s appointments as he says he does. I know he’s going on job interviews, and I’m fine with that. Our time together has come to an end. He’s no longer the best fit for us, or we for him. I like him enough to give him the space to look around as long as the work is getting done, which it is. Best of luck, Matt.
I know that might sound a little harsh, but it’s not really something I can fix, and after years in management, you start to learn the signs that someone’s just done. There’s really no point in fighting it. Would you want someone to fight for you to stay in a place that you’d already made up your mind to leave? Reddit user: [redacted]
Browsing The Racks
I own a book binding company, and our previous van kicked the bucket, so I bought a new cargo van. What my driver doesn’t know is that there’s a GPS device in this new van that links with my phone. It came standard with the van – I’m not actively trying to be creepy. Anyway, I know where his location is during his drop offs and pick ups now.
I also know where his favorite breakfast joint is. He loves to go there in the morning when he’s supposed to be driving. I could be mad about it, but, honestly? There are worse places he could be stopping, and I’m really just wondering if the coffee is any good. Maybe I’ll just show up there one morning and surprise him. Too much? Reddit user: bapnkimchi
There’s A Lack Of Focus
Shopping. I can’t believe the amount of online shopping that I see my employees doing when they’re supposed to be working. I mean, I get it, sometimes you need to order something real quick, but we’re talking straight up browsing an online clothing store while you’re on the clock. Maybe the strangest thing to me is that there’s one person, specifically, who doesn’t even bother trying to hide it.
It’s like, honey, come on. You’re missing three reports I asked for, and you spend more time clicking than you ever do typing, or replying to work emails. Plus, you get all your clothes orders delivered to the office, and pile them up in your cube. I know you’re not working back there. You practically throw it in everyone’s face. Reddit user: 20160119
Can We Stop Playing Games?
I run a division of an IT department with a team of five. One of my guys browses Facebook for at least two or three hours every day. He has it on his monitor that’s angled away from me, so I think he doesn’t think I notice. Another guy is chronically late. He sneaks in like 10 minutes late nearly every day. It was closer to 30 a while back, but after a “heart to heart” he shaped up, so now it’s only 10.
I try to create a pretty chill environment, and I really dislike having “manager” type conversations. Overall, my team’s there when I need them, so I don’t say anything about their web surfing habits, or lack of focus on boring days. They do what’s asked/expected, and I think they’re really good. I doubt I could get a better group. There’s a lot of drama in the IT department, but I feel like we have one of the rare, happy teams. Reddit user: zirus1701
They Don’t Think I’m A Cool Boss
Calling in sick every Tuesday after a long holiday weekend is a dead giveaway that you went out and partied too hard. I know you just want another day off. I would. What I don’t get, though, is why you can’t just say you’re going to be out? I really hate this last minute game. Why is it so hard to tell the truth?
It makes it more difficult for me to plan out the workflow for the rest of the team. So now, we have the issue of you just plain being inconsiderate. You know you’re not coming in. I know you’re not coming in. Please, let’s just stop with the childish games, and start calling a spade a spade. I’m not going to think less of you. Reddit user: KitsuneRogue
Waste Not
Oh, man, where to start? Taking long lunches and disappearing for hours. Coming in late and leaving early—sometimes on the same day. Browsing on their smartphones during work hours. Pretty basic and typical stuff, really. To be honest, I’m not about micromanaging their work lives. What gets me is they think I don’t know, and try to hide it from me.
It used to bother me that they didn’t think I was a “cool boss.” But now, it’s just amusing. As long as the work is getting done, deadlines are being met, and business operation is not disrupted, I don’t really care. Even my best, high performing employees pull out their phones during down time. I get it. Sometimes you’re just bored. Reddit user: itsfrankgrimesyo
You’re Not Slick
I briefly had an assistant who printed off mountains of Kijiji ads every day, and left them on the printer for ages. Kijiji, for you non-Canadians, is basically the Canadian Craigslist. Same basic set up – same chances of being scammed. I never really got to the bottom of why, exactly, she was actually printing these ads. Much less why she just left them there.
I guess she didn’t know that your terminal number prints on the bottom of the page, so everyone knew who it was that was printing these ads en mass. I let it go because I didn’t really care, apart from it being a huge waste of paper. Apparently, I was the only one willing to ignore it, because she was fired for it. Reddit user: ladyeditor
Your Boss Knows
I’m a general manager at a retail store. I’ve had several employees in the past—and one currently—who’d talk on their phone while working. They’re always girls. They’ll always have an earpiece in, and their hair will be over their ear. The girl right now will actually talk when I’m standing right next to her. When I ask if she said something, she claims to be singing the song that’s playing. Okay.
So far, it hasn’t hindered her work, but I think it’s ridiculous that she can stand to talk to anyone on the phone that long. Oh, and also, that she really thinks I’m that dumb. I also sit with cameras on at my desk. Those cameras have microphones. It amazes me how many people will talk about me, or about other things I doubt they’d want me to hear. They’re all aware there are cameras. Reddit user: optimuspaige91
We Know What Your Routines Are
I was an assistant manager at my job for a few months. One day, when the employees were on break, we were over at this one girl’s station talking, and the actual boss asked me if I saw what one associate had been doing. I was new to management, so I said “no.” She’d been shopping on her work computer. I don’t get why, exactly, that couldn’t have waited until she got home.
There’s also an employee who’s deaf, and goes to the bathroom to play on his phone. We all know he does it, I just don’t know if he knows that we know. I’m willing to say that most of our bosses probably know exactly what we’re doing. It’s just easier to let it slide until it becomes an actual problem. Reddit user: AlohoaReddit49
We See Everything
I have an employee who has the same routine every morning: shows up, goes to the bathroom, grabs a snack, goes to my office, talks and finishes the snack, goes to the bathroom again, gets another snack, goes to the warehouse to finish the snack, then back to the kitchen, gets water, gets one more snack to eat in the warehouse, and then he starts working.
Every morning, like clockwork. I don’t get it. He’s never late to start, either, so it’s not like he’s avoiding doing his job. It’s like he specifically shows up early just so he can carry out this morning ritual. I’ve often wondered what his home life is like, or if he has a condition that makes him feel like he needs to perform a ritual. Because it’s definitely like a ritual. Reddit user: Finishedlast1
You’re Being Told On
We see almost everything you do. You think we don’t, but usually it’s just not practical for us to make an issue out of it. I know when you’re bad-mouthing me, I usually just don’t care. I know when they’re forging alliances, and I usually know why. I know about the time-wasting, so don’t think you’ve gotten away with it. I know when they cover for one another, and that’s often misplaced trust.
I also know when you break ranks to defend me, or a principle, or the organisation. That gets rewarded. I know when they take one for the team, and I reward that, too. I know when my senior colleagues are rude or unfair to you. It does come back on those people in one way or another; I’m just not the one who serves justice. There’s very little you do that I haven’t seen before, or done myself. It’s like you don’t realize I started out where you are now. Reddit user: deejay1974
I Saw You Put It In Your Bag
I know what they say about me behind my back. I don’t actively listen in—I don’t particularly care—but there’re cameras, and there’re always going to be employees that brown-nose. That’s mostly how I know. They come running over to tell on you. Sorry. Keep your friends close, as they say. The thing is, the tattlers are usually prone to exaggeration.
I’d say about 75% of the time, they’re lying. You never said or did what they tell me, and I know that. But, I also know, generally, what you think of me, and I know when what they’re saying is true. Don’t worry much, though. A good manager doesn’t hold an employee’s complaints against them. Just don’t think that I don’t know. Reddit user: FastWalkingShortGuy
You’re Not Fooling Anyone
Stealing. The theft is real, and no one thinks I know what’s going on. People will just load up on food in the kitchen at a restaurant, and assume no one sees them. Um, hello? There are cameras everywhere. Mostly I watch them so that I can tell a customer, with confidence, that, “No, we didn’t give your food to someone else.”
But, you’re going to tell me you don’t know where $30 worth of meat and cheese went? Okay. What about all those to-go boxes and cups in your bag? You know, the bag you’ve never brought before, and that’s filled to the brim with cups and boxes. And I guess those three sandwiches you just made were for our ghost customers – because we’re dead. Get it? Reddit user: Tickle_bottom
We Know What’s On Your Computer
I see them try to avoid a certain task they dislike, hoping it’ll fall into the hands of someone else. It’s just the usual stuff like taking out the garbage, cleaning up, handling a particularly unpleasant customer, etc. They usually avoid the things they hate by focusing on other things, and spending more time than usual doing them. The funny thing is that it’s almost always something equally boring.
I get that some things are mundane and less engaging to do. I also know that weird customer is a pain in the butt. You’re not pulling wool over anyone’s eyes, though, when you spend more time than usual restocking a particular area. Or, even worse, spend your time doing something with a very low priority, such as tidying or reorganizing. Just stop it. Reddit user: GrisCasey
Your Secrets Aren’t So Secret
Former DBA (Database Administrator) here, so not really a boss, but I think this qualifies. You wouldn’t believe the amount of adult content I’ve removed from people’s computers. I never went randomly digging through people’s work files, but I have a pretty good idea how much drive space certain things are supposed to occupy. In other words: I see you over there hiding files.
Anyway, my favorite was a guy from HR who called me after I deleted his “stash,” and told me “Do you know how hard it is to find those pictures?” He then demanded I put them back. I told him if he got his boss to shoot me an email instructing me to restore his files, and that he was aware of what they were, I’d restore them for him.
Not surprisingly, I never heard anything else about it from him. Pro tip: if a folder that’s only supposed to contain raw source code—a few MB at most—suddenly swells to over 500 GB, and contains a newly added subfolder called “Essential Files” (or something equally suspicious), that’s going to be a dead giveaway. Reddit user: Aibeit
We Know About Your Side Hustle
I’m not the boss, but I have a great boss. So, he tells me about the alarm system at work, and that it’s set up to send him an alert on his cell when something is moving around at the office between 1:00 and 9:00 AM. We have a lot of expensive equipment, so it makes sense. For some reason, we—the employees—didn’t even consider it when we decided to have a “team event” (aka, a party) after work.
He told me that he saw us doing handstands, and running around playing hide-and-seek. My boss laughed his butt off telling me this. He told everyone we can’t have parties at work anymore, because somebody always managed to spill their drink and make the floor sticky. He then told me that we can, if we really want, but that he needs to be told so he’s expecting the alarm to go off. Reddit user: ganzeinfachkiki
Don’t Put It Back In The Box
My favorite is when they minimize their screens when I walk by, and are staring at the same spreadsheet they were staring at 15 minutes before. Another good one is staring at their phone while their computer is idling. No typing, no clicking, no paperwork being done. They just sit there looking down. We don’t mind if people browse Reddit, and get on Facebook or whatever, as long as they get their work done.
But, when one of the employees started working on their own business while on the clock… that’s when we got to have a fun little conversation. They still deny they did it to this day, but amusingly enough, it stopped after we asked some simple questions about things we shouldn’t have been able to know, had they not worked on their side business. Reddit user: gazeeboo88
That’s Not A Client In The Car
People who’re tasked to clean something up, just do half of the job, and try to hide all the rest. Yup, we see that. I know when you fudge it. I know when something’s not properly cleaned—I’m usually the one that ends up having to go in and clean up after you “cleaned.” I also know who does and doesn’t fully do the job.
I work for a company that demonstrates a cooking system by showing it to customers during a presentation, so everything has to be clean. We even light some candles to give our set up a nice atmosphere. At the end of the presentation, we’re supposed to toss the candles. But we have some employees who put those candles back in the box. Reddit user: Theonrax
Your Performance Affects Other People
What’s up with sales guys, and cars? Dude, there’s a GPS chip in it. I know you’re not with a client. I know you’re not at home “picking up some essentials.” I don’t know whose house or apartment that is, but it certainly isn’t yours. I also know that you’re out shopping, meeting friends, or picking up a date. You’re not fooling anyone.
Or the amount spent on “client entertainment.” Just drop the act, okay? Everyone knows that you took yourself out to the buffett in a fancy car. If you want to live in the delusion that we really do think you’re “with a client,” go right on and live in that fantasy world. I love my guys anyway; they’re a lot of fun. Reddit user: [redacted]
We See The Other Managers, Too
I hate it when employees don’t participate, or just sit around and surf the web. It’s a real downer when the first shift busts their butts and the other shifts—who are supposed to help with all the behind-the-scenes stuff—don’t pull their weight. Like, pointedly so. And they don’t seem to get it, either. That was the whole deal when you got hired.
First shift deals with all the face-to-face client stuff. Second and third shifts are there to support the first shift, by handling all the little things. Cleaning, organizing paperwork, sending some emails, etc. You know, generally setting the first shift up to kick the butt that they do. The first shift is only as good at it’s support team. It’s sad that ours isn’t great. Reddit user: Baroness-Awesome
Yes, I Did Report You
I hate when people are texting constantly while we’re working our bums off, throwing 50lb bags of feed. I know people sometimes need a quick breather, but when you’re in a very physically demanding job, it’s a real buzzkill to see someone regularly not being a team player. Also, get a belt. Please. The number of times a certain manager has to pull up their pants is uncalled for.
Oh, and walking around the store eating yogurt – no. Just stop. Right after coming into work in the middle of the day. I’m certainly not saying I’m perfect, but why am I the only manager who isn’t gross? Mine is a sad example of a company that mostly promotes the wrong people. The employees are awesome for the most part. Reddit user: itsfroggyout
I Know You Think I’m Funny
Why, yes. I did, in fact, overhear you say that you were going to report me to HR because I asked you to stop making inappropriate comments about younger coworkers. No, I wasn’t “shaking in my boots” over it. So sorry. But, guess what? I reported you first. I think you can expect to be called down for a “meeting” soon.
It’s funny how people respond to being asked to stop doing something that they know they aren’t supposed to do in the first place. You know, like harassment, and generally being creepy. Suddenly, they go to the rest of the team and start talking about how they’re going to put in their two weeks. And yet, I never see a two week’s notice put in. Reddit user: spaghatta111
We See You When You’re Stealing
I know that you actually don’t mind my cheesy dad jokes. Groan all you want Marcus and Becca, I see that smirk when you know one’s coming. In fact, I’d be willing to bet a lot of money—okay, like, five bucks—that you actually look forward to hearing new dad jokes. You can’t fool me. Well, not for too long, anyway.
Actual conversation: “Is the refrigerator in the break room running?” “Um, yes?” “Well, you’d better go catch it, then!” You can practically hear the eye rolls, but I know they love it. Doesn’t matter how many times I’m told to go away, and come back in a sweater vest and loafers. “Come on, you’re smiling.” “I AM AND I HATE IT.” Reddit user: SwankBank
We Know When You’re Not Supposed To Be On Break
Yup, I know it was the new kid that stole $500 from the cash register. The register was short precisely $500, and he’d been the only one on the register that night. Also, the fact that he showed up the next day with a brand new phone and shoes didn’t help him hide it. Oh, and how he then magically “found” an extra $350 in his register?
Best part: he dropped his new phone in a puddle a couple days later, and the muddy water splashed all over his pretty white shoes. Worst part: despite being caught by both the paperwork and the camera—and by being the only one on register that day—because he was new and needed to learn, he still wasn’t fired. As you can see, I have a lot of sway. Reddit user: OneSixFiveSeven
Don’t Put Your Coworkers At Risk
I work at a place with a high turnover rate. Those who’ve stuck it out we get to know very well, and how they work. Chances are, if you’ve stuck with us, you’re one of the honest people. When I get a new person, and all of a sudden registers start coming up short, it’s pretty obvious who’s stealing the money out of it.
I can tell when you “smoke” during your break, too. I know it’s not cigarettes. I truly don’t care what you do at home. But, when you’re on the clock, please just don’t. I can smell it. Your coworkers can smell it. Our customers can smell it. Also, I notice when you leave for an extra break. I mean, come on. I schedule them, myself. Reddit user: IComeFromDaOcean
I Want You To Support Each Other
Seeing an employee who’s taking an easy day drives me up the wall. I manage a small crew, and when something isn’t done properly, not only is it very easily traceable, but the situation usually has to be dealt with right away. Including consequences and, in a few rare cases, immediate firing. We work with dangerous equipment, so your “easy day” could literally kill someone.
That being said, my crew’s awesome. I pretend not to notice when someone takes a slacker day, as long as it’s not a regular thing, or it doesn’t put their co-workers or me in a bind, or at risk. When it counts, they can always be counted on. That’s not to say the work doesn’t have to get done, but I’m not going to write you up for taking an extra smoke break, or spending an extra ten minutes on a task. I notice the days you go twice as hard, too. Reddit user: tothelove
Your Manager Knows When You Won’t Shape Up
It’s very obvious when people are texting each other during a meeting. I see that one person typing something on their phone, and then someone else on the other side of the room looks at their Apple Watch, laughs, and looks at the sender. It happens all the time. Can we just try not to be so shady about it?
I’m usually not an insecure person, but now I think you’re talking about how much you hate me. I usually don’t really care; I want the team to be friendly and to support each other. But, if someone misses something important, and then asks about it ten minutes later, they look like a dumb-dumb and call themselves out for not paying attention.
That doesn’t happen too often to be honest, but I do take the opportunity to say something snarky. You know, just to get the blood pumping. “Well, Jason, if you hadn’t been too busy texting Mike, you might’ve heard me say…” Reddit user: bunchofbeauty
Are You Sick Or Just Not Into It?
I notice when they sneak away for extra breaks. I also notice when they sneak away for naps, when they take an extra-long lunch, and when they leave to go home early. They think they’re clever because I’m “too busy” to catch them. But they can’t hide the fact that the work isn’t done. And then they get all mad when I fire them.
Is it easier for you to wait and fire them, rather than warn them first? I guess you can tell the sort of employees that would actually shape up, and the ones that are just going to slip back into idle after a week of pretending to be doing better. You start to get a feel for the signs of a good or bad employee after a while. Reddit user: thudly
I Know When Your Struggling
The biggest thing I notice is who is a hard, dedicated worker, and who’s less dedicated and/or lazy. I also have really good hearing, so I knew that one guy was going to quit, even though he denied it when I asked him. I also knew when another employee took extra breaks. The fact that we work in a large, echoey warehouse doesn’t really benefit anyone but management.
Also yes, I can smell the “smoke” on an employee’s breath at the start of his shift. By the way, it’s on your clothes and in your hair, too. I also know some of them will call in sick because they just didn’t feel like working, or that they were two hours late for work because they were clubbing into the wee hours. Stop calling out sick if you’re not sick. Just be up front. Sometimes I need a “me day,” too. Reddit user: [redacted]
It’s Just A Pipe-Dream
I spend more time with you each week than I do with my partner, or than you do with your own family. I know when something is bothering you. I know what makes you happy. I know what pisses you off. I know what’s important to you, and I know what to expect from you on a day-to-day basis. That also means I know when you’re hiding something or lying, too.
If something’s wrong, happening in or outside of work that makes your life challenging, or impacting your well-being physically or mentally: talk to me. I can probably help. I want to help. And, if I can’t help, I can at least make sure your work-life accommodates whatever’s going on in the best way possible. We really are on the same team here. Reddit user: Dominionix
Don’t Hog The Steak
Sales director here. I know when my reps are lying to me about their sales pipeline. They haven’t put in the work for months, and suddenly have $2M in potential revenue? Get out of here, fool. The weirdest part is that the ones that do this seem to forget that I can actually see their pipelines. I know how long those prospects have been in the works.
I also know when the last time was that you spoke with any of those prospects. That guy you said you had a great sales call with yesterday? Yeah, no. You haven’t spoken with him in five months. You literally ghosted him. It’s all there in your records. Please stop lying to me. There’s a difference between a pipeline, and a pipe-dream. Reddit user: SellingCoach
The Boss Might Not Be Subtle
Stealing food from the kitchen, even though they know we have cameras there. I mean, everyone in the restaurant industry does it. Someone orders a high-dollar steak, but sends it back because it’s not well done? Gross. No one’s going to expect you to waste that. That’s totally ridiculous. But, maybe don’t immediately swipe the returned steak. I make mental notes about that.
If I’m asked if you can take this perfectly good food someone sends back, chances are that I’ll let you have it. Just wait until your break, or when you get home, to eat it. Also, I know when you’re stealing ingredients. There’s a camera IN the walk-in. I know you took those tomatoes, Amy. I just don’t know where you stashed them, or I’d have “stolen” them back. Reddit user: as1ra
They Know I’m Watching
Not a boss, but our network admin pointed out to everyone that the newbie left his PC on 24/7 with his account locked, just so he could mine Ethereum on the down-low. When I say “everyone,” I mean everyone but the newbie who was doing it. So, we all knew what was coming before he did. No lie, it was fun in a twisted way.
Ethereum, if you don’t know, is a type of cryptocurrency. Like Bitcoin, but less well known. He was, essentially, subtly using a company computer to “hack” the system, and create cryptocurrency transactions to make money. It’s still technically legal in some countries. There was nothing subtle about the way he got fired, and I couldn’t help but laugh my butt off. Reddit user: staylitfam
My Boss Knew The Whole Time
I can see down the hall from my desk. The stupid motion sensor shuts the lights in my office off sometimes, and I don’t bother to get up and turn them back on. Most of my employees know that I can see them, and that I’m probably watching them do dumb things. You know, like taking a 20 minute bathroom break four times a day.
That alone is a pretty obvious sign that you’re not actually working. Plus, the ten trips you take to the vending machine. I’ve told them before that, if they’re out of stuff to do, other departments could use their help. All of them enthusiastically said they’d come tell me. So far no one has. Odd, isn’t it? I ask as I stroke my beard in my dark cave of an office. Reddit user: grumblecakes1
I Know It Was You Who Didn’t Clean
I’ll admit, I used to steal food when I worked at a sandwich shop. In fact, that’s why I got the job at the sandwich shop. I was broke, needed a second job, and needed food for the first couple weeks until that second job’s pay kicked in. I was pretty ashamed of myself, but I was also desperate and hungry. “I’m sorry sir, you said white bread? I thought you said wheat. I’ll make that sandwich again.”
Then, of course, I’d eat the sandwich after marking it as spoilage instead of tossing it. Or, I’d stash it in my backpack to take home with me. My “mistakes” were always healthy and calorie-dense. I found out my boss knew the whole time, and he never said anything. Not even to me. I overheard him mention it one day on the phone. I still work there. Thanks for not firing me. Reddit user: instercaffeine
Former skincare shop shift manager here. I knew when employees weren’t cleaning properly. In the skincare industry, sanitation is vital. Customers like to be able to smell that a place is clean, and then to see that there’s no dust on the shelves or products. Dust just makes it look like something’s been sitting in the back for three years.
I can’t tell you how many people I’d ask to clean a specific section, only to and come back and find that they were just wiping around things, or dusting the top row. Yikes. It was so embarrassing when a customer would say something like, “Oh, I see you’re breeding dust bunnies.” (Usually the older customers.) Please, just clean it properly this one time. If you don’t, then I have to or it’s my head on the chopping block. Reddit user: OhWaitThat’sRight