Has any customers actually understood the concept of retail workers being clocked out and on their break?

[Anonymous]

Hello, I have been working retail for almost a year now. Some parts of it I enjoy, but other parts of it I don't. One part in particular I don't enjoy is customers approaching me when I'm off the clock and just want to eat my lunch. It doesn't happen all the time but it's annoying when it does. I always take my uniform off before break, but yet customers still approach me. I usually just say sorry I don't work here because I told one that I was clocked out (a middle aged man) but yet he didn't care and continued to ask me a question. It's not like he asked wheres this product it was why are these batteries priced this way? Is there a reason why they are priced that way? I told him I don't know which I didn't and told him to talk to the people in that department. I truly don't understand why customers think it's ok for retail workers to basically work for free. Like someone who's not in retail wouldn't appreciate getting approached about their job when they only get 30 minutes out (non paid) of the day to themselves. Sorry for the rant, but I'm just tired of this. Also the store I work at will write you up if you are more than 5 minutes late from your lunch.

[NicholasRedone]

I feel for you lady - the jobs aren't easy - and at least the middle aged man was actually asking a product question and not being a sleazy guy to an attractive 20s female on her lunch.

Sympathies lady ♀️ (former retail worker, in different aspects also) 😅

[Asker]

Thank you and yeah that's a good point, I probably would have been more upset if he was like that haha.

[Levin]

Hmm, when I worked on the front desk, I would always make sure I take my lunch in the back office. Also, my place is flexible. If someone takes 10 minutes off my lunch, then I'm adding it on. I get that's not always possible with retail and where it's super busy.

[Asker]

That's good that your company understands that. One time I got written up for being a minute late after the five minute grace period and I talked to the HR person about it but she never did anything.

[Levin]

I mean, it depends what time of year it is and how busy. I'm a supervisor now and they always try and take the piss, especially when it comes towards the end of the busy season.

But yeah, at your place, they sound especially poxy. No other jobs around?

[AI Opinion]

It can be frustrating when customers don't understand retail workers' breaks. Often, they might not realize you're off the clock. I've found that being clear about your break status helps occasionally, but some people may disregard it. Setting boundaries is crucial, even if it requires gently repeating your off-duty status. Keeping your uniform off and finding a quiet spot away from the store area can also minimize interruptions. Remember, your breaks are important for maintaining your well-being and job performance, so prioritize that downtime whenever you can.

[Anonymous]

Go somewhere away from the customers during your break. Otherwise you still represent the company, break or no break.

[Asker]

Maybe I''ll start going to car my or something they always stop me when I have my lunchbox in my hand walking to the break room and my company has a strict break policy:/

[KrakenAttackin]

So go somewhere customers can't find you? I have to deal with the same thing with the public so I make an effort to hide my truck when on break.

[Asker]

Yeah the store has only one break room and I always get stopped when walking there when I have my lunchbox in my hand maybe I''ll just go to my car or something.

[Abbycado]

Try taking your break away from customers so they can’t bother you.