I work at . I use a single headphone while working, usually a podcast or some other soother. I have anxiety and am neurodivergent so it helps me focus and helps me navigate my mental health and sensory challenges. Pretty much everybody does this at some point in their day. It makes a HUGE difference for me in productivity, engagement, and just not hating being there.
The safety person from corporate did a suprise inspection yesterday. Our managers in store have always allowed us to use one earbud if we're working in the back rooms (other ear open for safety and communication). Corporate doesn't like it. It's in the dress code, but every few months they'll have a different supposed reason to try and crack down on it. We all know these policies are about control and nothing else.
First it was unprofessional. But half the customers have theirs in while talking to us and no one cares; this logic is outdated. That meant no more music on the floor, but still OK in back rooms. Then it was that we couldn't communicate or hear store announcements. You can't hear the announcements in the rooms we use them in anyway, and we have full conversations with one another each having our own music in.
Then there was this doozy. Since it was a suprise visit we were all kinda caught with our pants down and at least 5 of us got busted for the earbud. Me and one other employee were subjected to a lecture froom the safety lady. She told a story about an employee working overnight who worked so hard he had a heart attack and died while working. Her takeaway was to blame the people working alongside him for wearing earbuds because they “couldn't hear him dying” and could have saved him.
My face was calm and still while she was talking. The second she left theroom, my coworker and I were flabbergasted and a little disgusted (we also shared a moment of “fuuuuuck that lmao”). Also, on the safety issue — not buying it. There is plenty of other jobs, doing more dangerous work, in more dangerous places, that use earbuds and even ear plugs without issue.
Truly I was just disturbed she would try to weaponize that story. Corporate worked a guy to death. Then had the audacity to use his death to control others. Somehow I seriously doubt he'd want his death being used to fuck over his coworkers like that. I found it extremely disrespectful and a huuuuuge reach. I don't know how they expect that to play for them, honestly.
I wish I was making this up.