Embarrassing work situation

sallywin

I started in a new part-time job 2 weeks ago and have been getting on really well. It's just a job in retail but I treat it like a professional job. We got vouchers for the restaurant to the value of €25 and I presumed that meant any products in the restaurant. I followed all the guidelines on the back of the voucher of course and the voucher said it was available for use for you and up to three friends to the max of €25. So since nobody was free to come out to where I work and the voucher was only valid until tomorrow (I only received it a few days ago) I decided to just use mine today instead right after I finished work.

So here came the problem which I maybe should have seen coming but didn't. Because I wasn't spending anything near the max allowed I added 10 chocolate bars to what I was having just so I'd have them for again. I also got a big bag of crisps. On my way out the manager asked me had I a receipt for them as they said I might get asked by security on the way out. I said that no I hadn't because I had just used my voucher of €25 and hadn't thought there would be a need to. They said that security do random checks and that I would always have to have a receipt for anything purchased in the shop so I said no problem, I hadn't realised that but that I understood that it made sense.

They went and got the receipt from the till I had got my stuff at and they then proceeded to go down to the store manager with it and get it photocopied. And also told the store manager. They came back and sat down and said they would have to have a word with me and basically humiliated me. Told me that buying 10 extra bars was greedy, that it was against the values of the company and that it was good stock I had taken out of the company. They said it was opportunism and that the voucher was intended for meals and not to take the opportunity to stock up on chocolate bars. I explained that I wasn't using anything near the €25 limit allowed and that I had presumed that the voucher covered anything in the restaurant up to that limit. They then said, well you wouldn't go for a meal and buy 10 chocolate bars at the same time would you? Whereupon I said that this was an employee thing, offered to pay back the money and told them directly that I was extremely embarrassed over it as I am anything but a greedy person. They of course refused to take the money for the bars.

I feel humiliated about it now and I really think it was an over the top reaction. I work extremely hard, I have adapted really well to the new job, and don't earn a lot. I don't get many breaks as i am part-time there and do 4 hour shifts so I don't get breaks. I assumed this voucher was a way to repay workers like myself. I have been flexible as regards hours and been obliging at all turns. This feels like a kick in the teeth.

Am I myself overreacting, or what are your opinions on this? Would be great to get some perspective. I told another girl in work and she said it was disgraceful and that everyone had been doing the same thing.

Being honest, I am considering giving in my notice over it and telling HR management what happened. I am really honest and live and die by my word and so this is really bugging me.

stephendevlin

I would have asked the manager where did it say that on the voucher? ... I cant see it and hand the manager the voucher and ask them to point it out..
No terms and conditions. If so I would ask do we need to ask to know terms and conditions of future gifts... otherwise fook off :P

drunkmonkey

You were taking the piss with the 10 chocolate bars. It was given in good will but you took advantage. It sounds like you were given a dressing down about it and seen as your new you might just get away with it.
You didn't technically do anything wrong but I can see how your employer got the hump over it.
Don't ask other staff what you should do in a certain situation ask your manager and you won't end up in trouble as often.
Don't worry anymore about it, lesson learned by the sounds of it.

drunkmonkey

stephendevlin wrote: »

I would have asked the manager where did it say that on the voucher? ... I cant see it and hand the manager the voucher and ask them to point it out..
No terms and conditions. If so I would ask do we need to ask to know terms and conditions of future gifts... otherwise fook off :P

I would have told you grab your stuff and get the fook off my premises.

Diddler1977

Who was the person who served you? Surely as you handed over the voucher you should have been informed that you would have to pay for the chocolate.

When we go on training course in my building we get a voucher for lunch. I generally get a can of coke with my lunch. Even though tea & coffee is given as part of the voucher, I am always told that I must pay for the coke (which I have no problem with).

I would also find what you experienced very embarrassing but I would try and put it behind you. You made a simple mistake but it should have been pointed out to you in a more sympathetic manner.

stephendevlin

drunkmonkey wrote: »

I would have told you grab your stuff and get the fook off my premises.

Typical high horse reaction, girl was given the value of €25 to spend in a voucher and she decided to spend it how she wished.

I hope I am never on your premisis if you treat your staff like that.

sallywin

The thing is that this was a one-off €25 voucher, purely to reward staff for their work during the past month which is one of their busiest periods. I and others got landed in to the job with little training and having to learn off our own bat, etc. which is fine but like I said I made a huge effort and the manager did say that I have been doing brilliantly so at least they said that at the same time as calling me greedy. I can't believe they used the word 'greedy'.

To be honest, and it's not pride, it's about dignity, I am more or less decided that I am giving them my notice, I will tell them that it is specifically in response to being called 'greedy' and let them see do they get someone as good as me again. They might just learn a lesson themselves and make it clear in the terms and conditions that you can't buy over a certain number of chocolate bars.

For what it's worth all the good is now gone from the chocolate! I will be donating it to homeless people and keeping one for myself for the hassle it has given me.

amdublin

To be fair to you it was not stated on the voucher. You also could have been bringing them back to your colleagues.

Okay, so now with the benefit of hindsight probably wasn't the best idea.

But I don't think they should have made you feel so bad about it.

I'd personally just put it behind you and forget about it. Don't beat yourself up about it op, it was an honest misunderstanding!

sallywin

Can I just add that other staff have been getting the chocolate bars as well? That is a fact, not just anecdote.

amdublin

I've just seen your second post.

Aww please don't hand your notice in.

But I understand how you are feeling/your dignity.

Maybe have a chat with your manager and explain the scenario and you are feeling about how it was handled and how upset you are. And theta they should put the ts and cs on the voucher. But don't hand in your notice.
Good luck op.

NegativeCreep

I've quit jobs for less than that. Although thats probably why I dont have a job now :P
They gave you a voucher for 25 quid who's business is it what you decided to spend it on? Definitely report it to the HR departments anyway. They've no right to embarrass or accuse you of anything.

amdublin

sallywin wrote: »

Can I just add that other staff have been getting the chocolate bars as well? That is a fact, not just anecdote.

Well I think you should mention that then. That you has seen others so you assumed it was all fine.

sallywin

amdublin wrote: »

Okay, so now with the benefit of hindsight probably wasn't the best idea.

And that is exactly what I said to the manager when she had her 'talk' with me about it. To be honest I have had a few hours to think it over and all considered- that is my work ethic, my flexibility on hours, etc. etc. - I am not happy that I was called greedy. That's where the problem is.

tmc86

stephendevlin wrote: »

Typical high horse reaction, girl was given the value of €25 to spend in a voucher and she decided to spend it how she wished.

I hope I am never on your premisis if you treat your staff like that.

+1

Stheno

sallywin wrote: »

And that is exactly what I said to the manager when she had her 'talk' with me about it. To be honest I have had a few hours to think it over and all considered- that is my work ethic, my flexibility on hours, etc. etc. - I am not happy that I was called greedy. That's where the problem is.

I think you are over reacting a bit.

They've talked to you, they mentioned that you are doing well at work etc.

sallywin

amdublin wrote: »

Well I think you should mention that then. That you has seen others so you assumed it was all fine.

Yep I did. I also told them that the supervisor encouraged one of the staff members to stock up on chocolate when they came in with their vouchers. Just so that they would be clear that it wasn't just me.

Na, I'm going, but thanks for your kind words. I'm going to tell HR that I don't appreciate being called greedy, that I cannot work under that manager after being called greedy, and tell them that I followed all terms and conditions on that voucher. That way we both learn a lesson from it.

username123

It should have been made clear what the voucher covered. They had no right to give you a dressing down if it wasnt made clear.

However - I do think you need to take a bit of responsibility here. Why on earth did you do that? Did you really think itd be ok? I understand that you wanted to use it up to the limit but did you not stop to think that it would be seen as greedy to use a meal voucher to stock up on crisps and chocolate? I know that technically you are not in the wrong, but I would see what you did as terribly naive and unfortunately, yes, greedy. In saying that, if they didnt make it clear then they have no grounds to call you out on it, but it surprises me that you did not see how it could be perceived.

monkeysnapper

I wouldnt leave over it , id just carry on for a couple of weeks, see how it goes from now till then and then make a desition . If anything start looking for another job, then if you get one hand in your notice.

Dont cut your own nose off to spite your face.

sallywin

username123 wrote: »

However - I do think you need to take a bit of responsibility here. Why on earth did you do that? Did you really think itd be ok? I understand that you wanted to use it up to the limit but did you not stop to think that it would be seen as greedy to use a meal voucher to stock up on crisps and chocolate.

Eh it was 1 packet of crisps, I didn't 'stock up' on crisps. I stocked up on chocolate bars. Detail matters here, clearly.

Secondly, I didn't use it up to the limit, even WITH the bars. I had a cake, a starter and a main course and a drink. I didn't spend anything near the €25.

le la rat

what bars did u pick?

Wishbone Ash

amdublin wrote: »

have a chat with your manager and explain the scenario and you are feeling about how it was handled and how upset you are

To me that would come across as being way to emotional and needy.

Live and learn. It's over. Don't be worrying about it. Stick with the job.

username123

sallywin wrote: »

Eh it was 1 packet of crisps, I didn't stock up on crisps.

Secondly, I didn't use it up to the limit, even WITH the bars. I had a cake, a starter and a main course and a drink. I didn't spend anything near the €25.

Oh sorry, I initially read that as a big box of crisps - my bad.

I understand your side of this, you wanted value from your voucher, and technically, you havent done anything wrong, and I think your job are in the wrong to take you to task on it. But I was commenting on how appropriate your behaviour was. IMO - it was an inappropriate use of a meal voucher - it doesnt matter that you didnt spend it to the limit. The 'spirit' of the voucher was intended to be a free meal for you plus guests if you wanted. It wasnt for you to take home loads of bars of chocolate so you get closer to the limit on it.

I can see both sides. Personally I would have said nothing to you but Id make sure future vouchers had better instructions.

Diddler1977

Stick with the job while you look for another one. Don't hand in your notice without having another one to go to.

monkeysnapper

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

To me that would come across as being way to emotional and needy.

Live and learn. It's over. Don't be worrying about it. Stick with the job.

Yes exactly

The one thing ive learnt over the years is when ive had a dressing down for any reason , ive come out fighting and working extra hard the next day or after, it really shows your employer your mature and unfazed.

In my last 2 jobs this has happened and both times they pulled me aside and said they were gery impressed by my attitude. Look at end of day rise above it and show your a hard worker .

Go look for another job in the meantime if thats what you want though.

doolox

I have heard horror stories about people in retail employment being fired for wrongly pricing jumbo sausages as normal sausages when checking themselves out in a cafeteria used by staff and also by the general public.

It is always wise to err very much on the side of caution when dealing with transactions such as these which can expose ant weakness in the perfect honesty demanded by most frontline cash driven employment.

If possible keep any transactions in your place of employment to a minimum and do all your eating, purchasing etc off site if possible and have witnesses when doing transactions involving discounts or anything that is not nailed down in writing.

Unfortunately the assumption made by most junior management types is that all their underlings are greedy knackers out to rob and steal at every opportunity.

You have to protect yourself.

sallywin

Nope I'm going. The word 'greedy' was used. By the way they only said that I had been doing brilliantly after I said that I was very embarrassed over what had just happened and that I had been enjoying my work and putting everything into doing a good job.

I just can't help it but the thing is just ruined on me now. It's just a part-time job so it's not like it's a professional job that's worth overlooking being called greedy.

How could anyone work for someone who has accused them of being greedy? It was a voucher for the restaurant, I was eating alone, not spending up to the €25 and added the bars. Nope, the more i think on it, the more I realise that it's not on. I won't take action over it or anything but I will inform HR management.

amdublin

Have a sleep on it.

When are you back in work? Don't make any hasty decisions. Sleep on it!

sallywin

monkeysnapper wrote: »

Yes exactly

The one thing ive learnt over the years is when ive had a dressing down for any reason , ive come out fighting and working extra hard the next day or after, it really shows your employer your mature and unfazed.

In my last 2 jobs this has happened and both times they pulled me aside and said they were gery impressed by my attitude. Look at end of day rise above it and show your a hard worker .

Go look for another job in the meantime if thats what you want though.

They already know I'm a hard worker. I was just thinking that maybe there is an extra thing to this. When I was serving a customer today something came up that I hadn't come across before and when I called over that same manager to ask about it she told me in front of the customer that I should already know that. I made it clear there and then that No I had not been shown it before and that if I had I would have known about it. No way was I letting myself down like that in front of someone. I have done well to be where I'm at already and no way would that be acceptable. I was direct and polite about it, maybe they were put out by that a bit? Who knows. Ah this is all very pathetic.

username123

sallywin wrote: »

How could anyone work for someone who has accused them of being greedy?

By having a bit of maturity and putting it behind them.

Seriously you are making way too big of a deal of it. You did a silly thing. I can totally see how it would be seen as greedy. You might not like that but it is true. You got told off. Technically they should have said nothing. End of. Just forget it and move on.

solas111

Don’t do anything rash like handing in your notice. In my opinion you made an honest mistake but have been treated very badly. Put it down to experience and get on with earning a few bob.

The problem is that you will come across arseholes like these people in all walks of life so it would be wise to learn to react differently to them. You won’t change them because they are too full of their own self-importance but you can avoid letting them spoil your day. Admitting that you were wrong and made a mistake is important. After that, try to rise above these petty individuals and be the bigger person. Look on them with pity, forgive them for their ignorance and then get on with your own life.

You asked if you are over-reacting and the answer is that you are. You are reacting in the way that most people in that situation would react but for your own sake it would be better to learn to react differently. You can learn a valuable life lesson from this incident. You won’t change other people but if you can change your own reaction to what they do, you will have a happy life ahead. Kick the ‘peak cap’ idiots out of your head and get on with living your life.

Stheno

sallywin wrote: »

Ah this is all very pathetic.

To be honest I think your attitude is a bit pathetic, you were given a voucher for you and up to three friends, couldn't get your friends to go with you, took ten chocolate bars and a pack of crisps to maximise the voucher value you got, and then are leaving the job as your manager told you it was greedy?

It was greedy to be fair.

It's certainly not a reason to quit a job.

Diddler1977

Put it in perspective. Don't give up a job over a few chocolate bars

sallywin

amdublin wrote: »

Have a sleep on it.

When are you back in work? Don't make any hasty decisions. Sleep on it!

Back in tomorrow.

Another dimension to their management style. Apparently they deliberately started us on the busiest session of the year in order to 'test' us.

60% of people leave within 2 months or so due to inadequate training and then amount of work expected relative to pay- so I thought that by learning quickly, working hard, etc. that i had made a good impression, that impression is now totally marred. Honestly, how could anyone stay after being called greedy?

stephendevlin

sallywin wrote: »

Nope I'm going. The word 'greedy' was used. By the way they only said that I had been doing brilliantly after I said that I was very embarrassed over what had just happened and that I had been enjoying my work and putting everything into doing a good job.

I just can't help it but the thing is just ruined on me now. It's just a part-time job so it's not like it's a professional job that's worth overlooking being called greedy.

How could anyone work for someone who has accused them of being greedy? It was a voucher for the restaurant, I was eating alone, not spending up to the €25 and added the bars. Nope, the more i think on it, the more I realise that it's not on. I won't take action over it or anything but I will inform HR management.

I agree, defamation of character is not a nice thing to experience, that "manager" was out of line. The store had plenty of opportunity to give you notice of what you could spend it on.

mitosis

It was a voucher for meals. I'd understand their point of view to a degree. They expect you to use it for immediate consumption on the premises - you wouldn't buy a roast dinner with sides and put it in your bag. However, it's not something I'd quit over either. Just put it on the shelf for future reference when dealing with management.

Diddler1977

stephendevlin wrote: »

I agree, defamation of character is not a nice thing to experience, that "manager" was out of line. The store had plenty of opportunity to give you notice of what you could spend it on.

So true. I don't understand why the OP wasn't told that she couldn't take the bars as part of the voucher when she handed it in at the till.

stephendevlin

monkeysnapper wrote: »

Yes exactly

The one thing ive learnt over the years is when ive had a dressing down for any reason , ive come out fighting and working extra hard the next day or after, it really shows your employer your mature and unfazed.

In my last 2 jobs this has happened and both times they pulled me aside and said they were gery impressed by my attitude. Look at end of day rise above it and show your a hard worker .

Go look for another job in the meantime if thats what you want though.

So basically suck up to them your saying even though they have accused you of opportunism.. way to go

GetInTheHole!

sallywin wrote: »

Nope I'm going. The word 'greedy' was used. By the way they only said that I had been doing brilliantly after I said that I was very embarrassed over what had just happened and that I had been enjoying my work and putting everything into doing a good job.

I just can't help it but the thing is just ruined on me now. It's just a part-time job so it's not like it's a professional job that's worth overlooking being called greedy.

How could anyone work for someone who has accused them of being greedy? It was a voucher for the restaurant, I was eating alone, not spending up to the €25 and added the bars. Nope, the more i think on it, the more I realise that it's not on. I won't take action over it or anything but I will inform HR management.

At the risk of sounding harsh - I have one bit of advice for you:

It's a big bad world out there - deal with it.

If you take issue with being called sonething as trivial as greedy - you will do well do stay long in any sort of pressurised work environment - particularly retail.

Your notion of seeing what they've missed when you leave is also quite ambitious to say the least.

You work 4 hour shifts in retail. I'm sure there will be plenty of people queing up to take your place (and who will more than likely not take 10 chocolate bars at the restaurant!)

As a previous poster said you learned your lesson - now move on and get back to work. Otherwise you could possibly continue to be dissapointed in your next job / jobs.

Sorry if you think this is unfair - but infortunately in my opinion - this is just reality.

sallywin

Okay guys taking advice on here and am sleeping on it. thanks everyone. Yet another challenge just when you think you may have seen it all and that by working hard and treating others well, etc. that things would just be normal.

Shakti

sallywin wrote: »

And that is exactly what I said to the manager when she had her 'talk' with me about it. To be honest I have had a few hours to think it over and all considered- that is my work ethic, my flexibility on hours, etc. etc. - I am not happy that I was called greedy. That's where the problem is.

Don't leave until you have another job to go to, I can understand your feelings and pride being hurt but if you leave because of this what are they or you going to tell your next employer why you left your last job... "I left because they called me greedy"? kind of would sound a bit ridiculous, your going to need a thicker skin and an ability to get past this sort of in-house B.S. if your going to succeed, suck it up and next time they give you a voucher donate it to charity.

teR_

They gave you a voucher with no restrictions on what you can buy but suddenly when you spend it there's restrictions?

I would have asked the manager is he winding me up... think your manager owes you an apology me. You don't give somebody 25 euro as a reward and tell them they spent it wrong. I would tell him you're not happy with the way you were spoken to and that the voucher was yours and you will spend it on what you want and not on want he wants you to buy.

buyer95

I vote this should be moved to after hours

sallywin

GetInTheHole! wrote: »

You work 4 hour shifts in retail. I'm sure there will be plenty of people queing up to take your place (and who will more than likely not take 10 chocolate bars at the restaurant!)

Yes, there were. There were interviews and assessments to get this just about over the minimum wage retail job. I earned this job, I didn't get in through a friend or an agency or the easy way. But I have been called greedy god damn it and I am anything but. I am not attracted to worldly things whatsoever! I enjoy family, friends and good true things. That's why this is hurtful. The thing is so wide of the mark. And it is my opinion that I earned those bars of chocolate.

Another option is for me to report the incident to HR regardless and keep on with the job, keep my head down and not get close to anyone.

username123

OP - can you honestly not see why this caused an issue? Even agreeing that it was badly handled, can you really not see why using a restaurant meal voucher for 10 bars of chocolate would be frowned upon?

livemusic4life

Every job has rules that aren't written, but kind of just understood.
Who ever was responsible for training you is clearly the one who deserves a slap on the wrist.
You didn't know that you were doing wrong and didn't break the terms of the voucher. They had no right to call you greedy. If you had the rules explained and still did what you did, then they'd have a point. Don't think you should leave though as you'll be excluded from social welfare for 9 weeks or something and jobs are not that easy to come by.

stephendevlin

Dont be afraid to speak to someone more senior if you are no happy with your answers from the said person. Everyone in retail has someone to answer to. They cant sack you under unfair dismissal act so nobody will be telling you to :

drunkmonkey wrote: »

grab your stuff and get the fook off my premises.

Stand up for your rights as an employee

newmug

I am astounded that some people are siding with the employers on this one! They gave the OP a voucher as a reward for her efforts and hard work, they didn't say what she couldn't do or buy with it, and they got personally nasty with her when trying to explain that, due to the OP's lack of telepathic skills, they actually didnt want her to use the full value of her reward.

OP that is b0ll0x. I would have walked there and then. If thats how petty they are, its not worth your valuable time bothering with them. Imagine how they'd react if you asked for support to do a degree, or a promotion or a raise. Utter b0ll0x.

sallywin

I'm going to be really quiet tomorrow, head down, not going to exert myself a head above anyone else, just get on with it and I'll think it over tonight and tomorrow. That manager is in tomorrow and I'll just not make eye contact and talk to them when I have to for work purposes only.

More than likely and following on from the advice here I will stay in the job and report the facts of the incident to HR.

Thanks everyone. Will read through all the messages again tomorrow.

Kensington

If that's the worst you'll have had someone have a go at you for in a retail environment you'll be doing well

Don't take it to heart, if you are really intent on leaving though make sure you line something else up first. You're more employable when you're employed and you don't face the prospect of facing into christmas with no income too.

stephendevlin wrote: »

Dont be afraid to speak to someone more senior if you are no happy with your answers from the said person. Everyone in retail has someone to answer to. They cant sack you under unfair dismissal act so nobody will be telling you to :


Stand up for your rights as an employee

You have no rights under the Unfair Dismissal Act within your first 12 months of continuous service with a company, they can let you go at any time within that 12 months and do not have to specify any reason for doing so.

stephendevlin

sallywin wrote: »

I'm going to be really quiet tomorrow, head down, not going to exert myself a head above anyone else, just get on with it and I'll think it over tonight and tomorrow. That manager is in tomorrow and I'll just not make eye contact and talk to them when I have to for work purposes only.

More than likely and following on from the advice here I will stay in the job and report the facts of the incident to HR.

Report it to HR indeed as once reported they will have to act on it. Keep your head held high, work through HR and forget the other so said person. You have your dignity to protect at the end of the day! Some people should not be in management you will learn that through your experiences in life!!! Trust me I have had my fill...

stephendevlin

Kensington wrote: »

You have no rights under the Unfair Dismissal Act within your first 12 months of continuous service with a company, they can let you go at any time within that 12 months and do not have to specify any reason for doing so.

Your Right... havent been in that position in a while (thank jebus)