I used to be self-employed. I had a small business that didn't survive divorce, among other things, but that's not relevant. I was losing my house so I had to return to being employed by someone else. Everywhere I applied didn't take my business ownership seriously, even tho I had a job history of being at jobs long term, my business survived 9 years with having up to 12 employees while paying a livable wage, and I had other leadership positions at previous jobs. I ended up having to start at an entry level position at $12.00 an hour in one of the most expensive cities in the US and move my way up to a salaried position in about four years.
I'm really struggling with how I expect my employees to be treated and how other managers and the higher ups treat the employees.
I work hard to give my employees consistent schedules and communicate changes clearly.
I don't see requests for time off, within reason, as requests. It's my job to ensure the store is staffed to cover vacations/call outs and such.
I try to be present and available as well as have my calendar posted to my team. I almost always pick up the phone and have helped employees find resources for domestic violence, helped them find dental care and helped them move.
I try to cover shifts and never expect employees to pick up shifts they don't want. I will ask but always be respectful that it's their choice
I believe this, and many other important things, is part of my job, not going above and beyond as a manager. All managers should want these basic things to allow for a work – life balance for everyone.
I find managers around me think these are optional. They think time off requests can be denied. They think cutting hours is ok to punish employees. They think consistent schedules are not possible and won't even try. Then they wonder why people quit. Then the people above me won't pay for anything. I'm begging for simple things to make sure my team has the things they need. And I hate telling my employees that I've asked and that I'll keep asking. Asking for building improvements to keep everyone safe, there is no urgency.
I hate owners of businesses that think employees should treat the business as though it's there's. Bitch. The effort people are willing to put in is directly connected to the amount they are paid. And that is completely fair.
I have a plan to minimize how much I'll have to work but right now I'm stuck as a stupid cog in the working world. I've been job hopping lately and just can't find a good fit. Just needed to rant.