I freaking hate partners like that.

One time I had a partner call out and with in an hour she was in DT for her mobile order

As a SSV I wasn’t able to have those convos about calling out and showing up later (it was a district thing.)

BUT as a SM I would first get my facts together including who saw them after thy called out, did they get their shift covered, why did they call out and why did they stop by? Eliminating possibilities such as misinformation or that they came to give myself or the store director or HR something like a doctors note (license stores have these departments internally, unlike corporate.)

Let’s say they called out of their shift, said they were sick, and with in an hour after their shift started they came into to go shopping and purchase a drink as well. They called out and talked to me (so I know they said they were sick) and I saw them and spoke with them while ordering (meaning they had opportunity to bring me a doctors note, give more explanation and even express they were purchasing medicine for themselves, etc.)

For arguments sake, let’s say the person didn’t any of that at all and it was obvious that they only purchased like let’s say a shirt for an event that night, that they admit to. “Oh ya I needed a shirt for this party I’m going to later.” For added affect, let’s say they were closing so it’s even more obvious that they called out most likely for this party and they willingly admitted that to me.

So as a reminder- they called before their shift, spoke with me the SM and said they’re not coming because they’re sick. Then an hour after their shift started they come to the store, purchase a shirt, go to starbucks and offer up the information that the only reason they’re there is to pick up a shirt for a party that evening. One that due to the closing shift they most likely wouldn’t be able to attend. All this information they offered to me, I didn’t pry.


Once I have all this information, I would confer with my HR. I would discuss with them what type of conversation and documentation they would need from me to have this conversation.

Now let’s say everything is set up on my end, their next shift I’d pull them into a meeting with myself, HR, and possibly my direct superior if they wanted to be apart of this. Mine personally would.

I would bring up their attendance and say something like,

“Hey, so I know for your last shift you called out and said you were sick. You then came in an hour after your shift started, purchased some personal items and came to the kiosk and ordered a drink. Can you expand on that for me?”

(Give them an opportunity to explain)

“Okay, and while visiting you did offer up the information that you were purchasing a shirt for a party that evening, and you had called out of your closing shift. Can you expand on that for me?”

(Give them an opportunity to explain as well)

*I don’t know my current stores policy for this type of attendance, and everything currently is messed up due to covid. But let’s assume I can NOT write them up, how would I tell them this is inappropriate and I don’t approve with out giving them some sort of written warning? I’d would go with something like,*

“I understand and respect that when we call out for our own reasons, everyone should and needs to be understanding of that. But with that in mind, I want to bring to light how your actions that day made the other partners feel. They arrive and are informed their other closer is sick, it stinks but they understand. Only for less than an hour later that partner to walk in, and offer up the information that they are at the store to buy a shirt and get a drink before going to a party. That puts them in a situation where they see their partner not valuing the team, or them as their coworkers. And that partner who called out, all but admitted in their eyes that going to a party is more important than the situation they are placed in because of those actions.

I want to be clear, this is not a disciplinary conversation. There are no write ups involved currently, however the conversation is being documented. We are a team. It’s not fair to anyone on the team to make them that they don’t matter. That creates a culture of passive aggressive behavior and lack of consideration, and kindness frankly.

We’re not about that. I’m not about that. So again, you’re not I trouble but I did want to bring this to your attention because of the dynamic it has created in the kiosk. I don’t have any follow up actions I’m requiring you to do, but I would highly encourage you to apologize to the other partners from your last shift. Just letting them know, “hey I’m sorry, I do respect you.” You don’t have to, but if it was me, I personally would.”


At this point I would let them respond, and continue the conversation as needed. Basically more or less having a convo in a way, “I’m not mad just disappointed.”


As a shift, I couldn’t do that. BUT here is what I would do as a shift IF I felt I could talk to that partner and not have it blow up in my face.

I would pull them aside when I had a chance and say, “Hey, I know you called out the other day and swung by to get a drink. I heard mention of a party that same night. Now what you do with your time outside of work isn’t my business, but I want to let you know the team was hurt by that. Just put yourself in that situation, if it was me doing that to you guys. You know what I mean? *give opportunity for recognizing how that would feel or to let them respond if they don’t get it. Once they do, move on to* If I were you, I would consider apologizing to them and letting them know you value them especially right now.”


In all these convos I try hard to end it really positive when appropriate. As a SSV I would probably say before I sent them out, “Sound good? Awesome! Let me know if you need anything, and thank you for listening! I really appreciate it!”


If this partner is someone I don’t trust and would freak out or cause problems for me. I would just wait and talk with my SM when I could and be able to provide ample information.


Hope that helps!
I’m happy to answer more convos! I get it- as a SSV sometimes it’s like you have all the responsibilities but not actual power or authority to exercise. I’m happy to bring insight from my experience there and now!