Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Told my Manager I have psychiatric diagnosis, was essentially told to leave (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by TrentaGreenBean
When I filled out the paperwork for applying to my job, it asks if you're disabled. I have a mental disability (bipolar) that I didn't think would affect my work at all. But, I put down that I am disabled anyhow in case it did (ADA counts mental illness as disability).
A few days ago, I got very anxious on shift + had a sensory overload that caused me to become physically ill on shift. Because of this I decide to go to my manager and tell her about my issues.
Manager essentially told me there's nothing they could do to help me besides cut my hours and asked if I was sure I wanted to stay with the company.
Im at a loss. I don't know what to do. Any advice at all I'm grateful for
A few days ago, I got very anxious on shift + had a sensory overload that caused me to become physically ill on shift. Because of this I decide to go to my manager and tell her about my issues.
Manager essentially told me there's nothing they could do to help me besides cut my hours and asked if I was sure I wanted to stay with the company.
Im at a loss. I don't know what to do. Any advice at all I'm grateful for
StarbucksStarbitch 23 points 2y ago
No no no. Hold the phone! You contact PRSC and tell them you need you help with a workplace accommodation for a disability. I’m an ASM and I learned this in week 1!
dazedandconfusedhere 9 points 2y ago
So with a documented disability, you can apply for “reasonable accommodations” to help. The thing is, you have to figure out what those accommodations would be. I saw you mention DTO is rough because of background noise - maybe an accommodation for only working on DTO for short periods, or being permitted to wear an earplug in the non-headset ear to reduce background noise, something along those lines.
Just a note though that it would be unlikely to get approval for an accommodation to just not work DTO, as they likely wouldn’t consider that “reasonable”, but you could look into a transfer to a cafe only store
Not sure what other things cause issues for you, but there’s a starting place!
Just a note though that it would be unlikely to get approval for an accommodation to just not work DTO, as they likely wouldn’t consider that “reasonable”, but you could look into a transfer to a cafe only store
Not sure what other things cause issues for you, but there’s a starting place!
Atakaii 5 points 2y ago
definitely should be supporting you did you go to a ssv asm or sm? If i was you i would definitely go to partner resources and call the number, they can walk you through the company policy regarding your specific case. I think you manager can be in serious trouble for this behavior especially since you are covered by law!
TrentaGreenBean [OP] 5 points 2y ago
It was my SM I went to. I spoke also to a shift lead today and he seemed WAY more accommodating. Constantly checked in on me during my shift, gave me a little bit of extra time during my break, took me off DTO (DTO is seriously anxiety inducing for me as well as causes sensory overload due to headphones only having one speaker, meaning I also hear a lot of background noise.)
Im afraid of going to partner resources and them asking me where I work and having a 'talk' with my SM. I don't want to be on her shit list and definitely don't want her looking for reasons for fire me.
Im afraid of going to partner resources and them asking me where I work and having a 'talk' with my SM. I don't want to be on her shit list and definitely don't want her looking for reasons for fire me.
Atakaii 6 points 2y ago
I’m going to give you the run down if what i would do on this specific situation for you. (i’m a SSV). the minute you came up to me i would immediately flex an employee to you planted position and have you take a 5-10 min break to recoup and check in with you in the back and wait until you were ready to begin working again. as soon as you were ready i would ask you what position at the time being would be best to help you stay in a comfortable mental spot. after this flex employees to new planted positions. and constantly check on you. later at the end of your shift i would have a connection with you on the back 1 on 1 and ask what made you feel that way and how when i’m play caller i can help avoid and relay to all my managers asap to best accommodate to you!
for being on her shit list, you are protected by law and can sue the shit out of the company if they do separate you for speaking up. starbucks has a 0 tolerance for managers retaliating against anyone who raise any flags on any issues!!!
for being on her shit list, you are protected by law and can sue the shit out of the company if they do separate you for speaking up. starbucks has a 0 tolerance for managers retaliating against anyone who raise any flags on any issues!!!
Resolution_Spare 3 points 2y ago
>I’m going to give you the run down if what i would do on this specific situation for you. (i’m a SSV). the minute you came up to me i would immediately flex an employee to you planted position and have you take a 5-10 min break to recoup and check in with you in the back and wait until you were ready to begin working again. as soon as you were ready i would ask you what position at the time being would be best to help you stay in a comfortable mental spot. after this flex employees to new planted positions. and constantly check on you.
Bless you. May all SSVs who read this learn from your grace-filled response.
Bless you. May all SSVs who read this learn from your grace-filled response.
Calm-Captain-5624 5 points 2y ago
see if you can move to a nearby location that is not as busy/has more staffing so its not as heavy of a workload per partner? im sorry that this is happening:(
TrentaGreenBean [OP] 3 points 2y ago
I dont think my manager would let me transfer given that im only about a month in. :( thats a great idea though.
Calm-Captain-5624 5 points 2y ago
if its for a medical reason than they should let you. idk if you have a primary care doc that you can consult this with to kinda have a professional back you up on a request like this but it could be worth a shot?
TrentaGreenBean [OP] 3 points 2y ago
I have a pcp, psychiatrist, and therapist all on my side with years of documentation of my condition. I've been able to work other customer service jobs, staying at them for YEARS even. They weren't in food though. Idk. I'll consult my therapist on it, but we'll see
Chemical-Less 3 points 2y ago
For medical reasons you should absolutely be allowed accomodation, the fact that she just up and told you that is kinda sus. I have ADHD and really bad sensory overload, and my manager will usually let me sit in the back for a couple minutes to help me calm down if I need it. If you give upper management a call and tell them you're not getting accomodation for a disability they'll probably handle it quick
Resolution_Spare 3 points 2y ago
I'm also bipolar! Bipolar is covered by the ADA, and they're required to make reasonable accommodations for you. When I get overloaded on the floor, I let my SSV know, and go to the back or bathroom for a quick meditation. (I highly recommend the "Burned Out", "Panicking" or "Flustered" meditations on Headspace for this. All of those are 3 minutes each.)
HengroenAndLlamrei 2 points 2y ago
Unfortunately, the reality is, unless you have a very supportive team/manager, you’re kinda SOL. Sure, ADA, etc. That’s all good on paper. But Starbucks is a high turn over high stress job and, like most retail/food service jobs, everyone is replaceable. Definitely follow up on it. But don’t be surprised if your hours are cut and you start to feel ‘forced out’. It’s rarely provable, and ultimately, if you are seen as difficult or a liability they’ll start phasing you out. It’s not right, but, that’s the likely outcome.
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