I think it's absolutely a danger to worker safety. My store was one of the test stores for it so we've been doing it a while.

The weather is a big issue. Too hot or too cold, we aren't allowed to wear things that would make that bearable, and a store provided coat does nothing for legs, hands, and face.

The stores were not built with this in mind. There's nowhere for a person to walk, and it is very dangerous. I've almost gotten hit several times just taking out the trash (our backdoor opens to the dt lane) because people do not pay attention.

We can't see the barista. Even with a headset, partners are not supposed to be entirely alone anywhere while they are working. By the book we aren't supposed to send trash runs at night individually, what makes it safe to do so during peak? When we have to speak to a customer about their behavior etc. We always have another partner witness the interaction. We cannot adequately protect this partner from potential harassment or harm.

It doesn't speed anything up. It just gives bar more drinks immediately up front. Now that our sticker machines have become single pull it doesn't really help. The only thing that could be done is batching drinks, which were already technically not supposed to do. Especially with the shaken espressos and quads in venti ice most times we are standing around with five prepped cups waiting for shots to pull.

Its tacky ass hell??? The other two major stores (that I'm aware of) that do this are Chic-kill-gays and McDonald's. Not exactly the look Starbucks should be striving for.

But Starbucks has already thrown away "connection" in favor of speed for profit, so they'll do anything at this point at the expense of the partners.

When it was launching several coworkers at my store were very vocal about how much we did not want it. It was pushed upon us anyway. It'll probably be forced upon other stores as well.

LOL. our store manager has made us do this multiple times already when our call box stops working. though we don’t have tablets to do this, we just had to stand out there with a headset on and repeat the order drink for a drink. but I have already stated that if this becomes something that is required of us that I won’t be doing it unless I’m paid more. Because I’m not paid to stand outside in the southern heat just so someone can get their coffee. no ma’am.

How is this even feasible? Baristas are already doing the job of 3 people instead of remaining planted. This will take even more labor away from production for zero wage increases. No thanks.

The worker safety aspect is what I really dislike. My store is in a high crime area, there’s a delivery service next door and they don’t pay any attention while driving (there’s frequent accidents involving them and our customers), and we’ve had people try and intentionally hit us while doing trash runs. I don’t feel safe being out there. It also doesn’t help that I’m extremely pale and no amount of sunscreen will stop me from burning.

Knowing the way my store runs, they’ll keep us out there as long as possible because “nobody else wants to” or they’ll conveniently forget. Getting severely burnt (like getting blisters and sun poisoning levels) or feeling like I’m in danger is all it will take for me to walk off the job or flat out refuse to go back out. I’m not putting my health at risk for a company that will replace me before I can even be declared dead.

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Absolutely not. I’m in Florida too and my SM when asked about the iPad order things said we will NOT be doing it. Partially because he doesn’t agree with it and partially because of the way our drive is set up we would have to be up against the backs of other stores in the strip.

We do it from 7-9 on the weekdays. As a SSV, I rotate the people who go out there. Our manager said they are working on getting things like umbrellas and fans to make it more comfortable, but I feel bad sending people out there, especially now in the summer. It does help with DT times, IF we are busy enough. If it is not busy, I do bring the partner inside.

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We have been told that we will be starting to do the same in a week or so. Someone said something about having to sign a waiver. Is this true? Myrtle Beach S.C. I get the heat part of it there is nooooo way I can stand out in that heat. I can't imagine how you are doing in that Florida heat. Not 100% what the humidity is like there, but if it's 90° out it feels like 100° psh I'm going to fall out 🔥🥵☠️

our store has gotten faster drive thru times, but they aren't considerate with giving us an umbrella of even a chair (texas heat). i like being outside away from the crazy, but i've had some cars run over our cones and they don't pay attention and almost hit us - but hey, more "we're a high volume store we need this" right ?!

Is this tablet available for all stores?

My store just started doing this. I never had to do it myself but I feel bad for the partners who are forced to stay out there till 9:30am everyday during peak... I live in AZ where we're infamous for our excessive heat warnings, lmao. Plus we've been unusually slow so they're just standing out there doing nothing but sweating. An SSV told me that going out there looks good for corporate and our numbers, or something, idk.

We were actually store-issued an ice pack vest to wear out there, lmao.

I’m not totally against it as long as it’s just during peak tbh. We’re such high volume but such a tiny store that it would help. But I would hate for that to be a constant thing.

I don’t believe many but some stores are testing it. I know one store near me is and I actually think it’s interesting (although it’s hot) and I’m going to pick up a shift soon specifically so I can use that thing. I saw the ASM and talked to her while she picked up product. Since it’s relatively new I would suggest just be nice and ask places that do use it more like Dutch bros or in and out. I’m not even sure if they have locations in Florida 😅

I’m in MD and our store is doing it. I don’t mind it. It’s been 90ish a few days. I brought in sunscreen for everyone to use so we don’t get burned. Apparently we’re supposed to be getting some sort of screen or something to block the sun a bit. Who knows though.

I enjoy it. When I’m taking orders I don’t wait in the lanes, I wait in the stones and try to twist my ankles lol. People can drive a bit fast, I was getting a drink of my water one day and a car just flew in and I was like ‘wait! Wait! I need to take your order!’ Lol. I do enjoy that it’s so much quieter inside now. And our DT times are amazing, so that makes people happy too.