How Poorly Implemented Workplace Rules Can Undermine Employee Well-being in Retail

Employees often experience the consequences of poorly implemented rules from their managers, both in and out of retail. One such instance occurred at Walmart, where a strict policy implemented by an ASM (Associate Store Manager) caused significant stress and potential job loss among employees. Similarly, a bakery manager's decision to ignore the glazing machine in favor of a manual dipping process resulted in severe health issues.

The Hockey/Stadium Truck Unloading Tragedy at Walmart

During my tenure as a cap 2 associate at Walmart, our ASM enforced a rigid rule. No matter the size or quantity of the incoming trucks, associates were not allowed to take their lunch breaks until the unloading was complete. Despite the reasonable concern over time management and work efficiency, this policy backfired tremendously. It led to a toxic work environment, where timely and necessary lunch breaks were denied, and ultimately, was implemented during off-peak hours when fewer associates were available.

Even more critically, the rule set a precedent for an unsustainable workload that could lead to disciplinary action. This situation was so dire that it had the potential to result in termination. However, when the necessity for flexibility in timing was finally recognized, it created an almost comical shift in perspectives. Thus, the company realized its error and allowed associates to take their breaks before the six-hour mark, only if the unloading was almost done. A good reminder of the importance of securing reasonable breaks during a shift.

The Glazing Machine Fiasco in the Walmart Bakery

An even more direct affair from my past at Walmart, where I worked in the bakery, saw the introduction of a new, counterproductive rule. Previously, the glazing machine was an invaluable tool for adding that perfect glaze to our donuts, making the process more efficient and saving us from the precision of manual dipping.

Unbeknownst to the manager, this change would significantly increase the risk of repetitive motion injuries, leading to chronic pain in my hands. Dipping donuts by hand involves a series of repetitive motions, which, combined with glazing, created an even more demanding set of actions. The number of times I had to do these manipulations was doubled or tripled.

The new rule required me to hold the donuts with a gloved hand, dip them in frosting, and then twist them to get good coverage and set glaze. Over time, this process culminated in a nagging pain that eventually developed into serious health issues. Despite seeking medical help, the doctor remained uninterested, leading me to believe that I possibly had undiagnosed repetitive strain injuries due to the repetition of these motions.

("Ever heard of repetitive motion injuries?" the employee reflects.)

The result was that my hands and wrists would lock up and spasm in pain, which caused me to drop whatever I was holding, like trays of donuts, at least once a week. It became clear that the new rule would likely shorten the duration of my time working in the bakery, and ultimately, it led me to quit the job.

The bakery manager eventually adjusted their policy to alleviate some of these stressors, but by then, the damage had been done. It's a stark reminder of the potential consequences of blindly implementing policies without considering the long-term impact on employee health and performance.

Lessons for Retail Management

These two stories from Walmart highlight the importance of implementing rules and policies with the well-being of employees in mind. Managers and upper management must ensure that any changes or new rules do not create an overly stressful work environment, which can lead to physical and mental health issues, decreased morale, and ultimately, high turnover rates. Employers should regularly review and adapt their policies to accommodate realistic workloads and schedules, leaving room for flexibility and breaks.

Poorly implemented workplace rules can have devastating effects, as seen in the stories of the cap 2 associate and the baker. By understanding their roles and responsibilities, managers can create a more harmonious and productive working environment, which benefits both the employees and the organization as a whole.