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Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind

Full History - 2021 - 03 - 23 - ID#mbcsek
10
I'm at a loss (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by ButterscotchFit1431
I had to call out today. I was outside when some bad weather rolled through yesterday and that set off a massive migraine early this morning. I sat in the shower for two hours trying to get it to subside so I could go in and it didn't help. So once we opened I called in. I tried to explain to my shift and she sounded angry and told me to text my manager and hung up before I could apologize. So I started my text to my manager trying to explain and apologize and before I even could finish typing it out I had a text saying it was my responsibility to find coverage and a two hours notice (my shift is an hour after open so how). I called my shift back and tried to say I would just suck it up and come in despite everything and literally broke down on the phone from pain and emotion (which is embarrassing af). Overall I just feel like shit, physically and now mentally. I hate leaving them short and now I feel so guilty (which all this emotion is really helping my head). Idk what else Im supposed to do at this point.
meeeganthevegan 9 points 2y ago
Tell your manager! You called in because you feel really sick and tell them what your shift said, and that'll you'll try to find coverage but you want to let them know what going on.
This will keep you in the clear for later
trashkittenxoxo 5 points 2y ago
First of all, please try to remember that you're prioritizing your health and that's the most important thing. That matters more than the store every time. The shift has a right to be angry but that's none of your business. You don't have to explain why you're calling out.

I second the advice to talk to your manager. At the very least then you'll know what to do for next time. If you're not calling out very often then they should be on your side and want to resolve some of that tension. If not, reach out to your DM and have a conversation about the policy and expectations.

It's also not your responsibility to find coverage. Period. It's good to help reach out if you can, but I don't think I'm weird for not having the phone list, full store schedule, or rapport with my staff that the shift/manager does.... especially since I'm newer to my current store.... and AFAIK "pod scheduling" means you can't just ask someone to come in early to help cover hours right now. I'm willing to send some texts to offer hours but if nobody responds then what can you do?

You are not the first person to call out, that shift is a jerk, and Starbucks will not go out of business because you took a sick day. I hope you feel better soon!
Independent_Group_24 2 points 2y ago
I've experienced similar push back at my store regarding calling out due to illness. Not from my supervisors but my manager. My whole team is overworked and exhausted. In turn they are experiencing mental health issues, immunity issues, and other things. I've been sick and had more migraines this year than ever before from the stress, being overwhelmed and overworked.

My manager is the only one who doesn't get it. He doesn't higher more SSVs or baristas because he "wants to make sure we have enough hours " (we told him we're overworked), he schedules long shifts, and he doesn't sympathize when we call out but ask us what our "symptoms are"!! As if Covid is the only thing that can be wrong!

This store is a nightmare and my teams love for each other is the only thing that's keeping us there and coming back (most of the time).
But when my baristas call out, I don't blame them or question them because I trust what they say. I try to find coverage and I deal with what's been given to me.

We work in a capitalist country that doesn't seem to value employees as a people and that's wrong; my partners are PEOPLE. They deserve respect and decent working conditions.

Sorry for the rant. This has been a problem the entire pandemic and I feel trapped and lost. Idk how to deal with it.
julcarls 2 points 2y ago
It is absolutely not your responsibility to find coverage. Like it's cool if you want to try, but it is the responsibility of your shift on duty and your SM. Please don't not let them shame you into finding coverage when you feel like shit. That's not okay and I'm sorry they did that to you.
C0ffeeCoffeeC0ffee 1 points 2y ago
Migraines are hell. Anyone who has ever had one wouldn't expect you to find your own coverage. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, it sucks.
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