Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Dress code concern (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by nightkat89
So I’m a barista trainer at a new store that opened up a little under a month ago.
I’ve noticed since then that a lot of our younger partners wear things that are way outside our dress code (red pants, crop top cut shirts, wild patterns, etc)
I also notice a majority of our partners don’t wear anything on their head other than a headset. Our district enforces “hats or headbands” because some stores in one county require it and others in a different county don’t; so we all have to be equal.
I know it’s really not my concern but when I joined three years ago it was heavily enforced in the store I came from and if you weren’t in code; you were sent home to go get in code.
I just don’t know how to approach this with my new SM as I’m trying to work up to a shift position and don’t also want to be “that” person, you know?
I just have a firm belief in equality so when it’s not uniformly enforced, it bothers me.
Any ideas?
I’ve noticed since then that a lot of our younger partners wear things that are way outside our dress code (red pants, crop top cut shirts, wild patterns, etc)
I also notice a majority of our partners don’t wear anything on their head other than a headset. Our district enforces “hats or headbands” because some stores in one county require it and others in a different county don’t; so we all have to be equal.
I know it’s really not my concern but when I joined three years ago it was heavily enforced in the store I came from and if you weren’t in code; you were sent home to go get in code.
I just don’t know how to approach this with my new SM as I’m trying to work up to a shift position and don’t also want to be “that” person, you know?
I just have a firm belief in equality so when it’s not uniformly enforced, it bothers me.
Any ideas?
sheep_heavenly 79 points 1y ago
If your SM isn't concerned, I'd not be either.
Its a low wage job. What we wear, within reason as always, has little consequence on the job we can perform. When I started, it was black or brown slacks/khakis, white or black button up shirt with a collar or a collared polo. That's it. I heard the same "it's not fair" when the dress code changed and we could wear jeans, because it was up to manager discretion if the relaxed dress code fit their store or not.
If the SM doesn't care, it doesn't matter because who's going to back you up? And if they don't care, a better focus is on well trained baristas. I'd rather have a superstar barista in a mustard yellow shirt than an aloof slacker in dress code, imo.
Its a low wage job. What we wear, within reason as always, has little consequence on the job we can perform. When I started, it was black or brown slacks/khakis, white or black button up shirt with a collar or a collared polo. That's it. I heard the same "it's not fair" when the dress code changed and we could wear jeans, because it was up to manager discretion if the relaxed dress code fit their store or not.
If the SM doesn't care, it doesn't matter because who's going to back you up? And if they don't care, a better focus is on well trained baristas. I'd rather have a superstar barista in a mustard yellow shirt than an aloof slacker in dress code, imo.
Foehammer_Ezra 69 points 1y ago
I’d say it sounds like you can start relaxing your personal dress code.
bitchconpanna 22 points 1y ago
Wear what you want and keep it pushing
jord444n 17 points 1y ago
wasnt sbux dress code written like years/decades ago? with all due respect i think we should care more about beverage and food quality, DT times, connections and health and safety more than crop tops lol …. its 2021. also the apron covers our outfits for the most part so i thoroughly appreciate how my SSVs and SM dont even look twice at you being out of code. it makes me feel at least an ounce of appreciation in this degrading ass job (: i think your baristas would appreciate the same
nightkat89 [OP] 7 points 1y ago
I understand this. Normally I wouldn’t give a single shit if it wasn’t for the fact that since this store opened I’ve been pointed out twice for dress code.
I am a trans woman and wore a dress of proper
Length even with black leggings underneath and proper footwear. The dress had sleeves and everything (I know I’m dumb for still referring to the damn book)
I’m less concerned about dress code and more concerned about making sure if we are going to enforce things; they’re enforced fairly
I am a trans woman and wore a dress of proper
Length even with black leggings underneath and proper footwear. The dress had sleeves and everything (I know I’m dumb for still referring to the damn book)
I’m less concerned about dress code and more concerned about making sure if we are going to enforce things; they’re enforced fairly
jord444n 6 points 1y ago
im so sorry and disappointed this happened, but i feel like the issue is with sbux management and possibly some underlying transphobic motivations. i totally see where your coming from, thats so frustrating and messed up and im truly sorry it seems like your being unfairly punished. i think maybe the more partners stand up against an unfair dresscode, though, the more chance there is that one day the code can be applied fairly and with critical judgement! maybe one day sbux will understand and accept a more non judgemental and inclusive view that doesn’t hypersexualize less conservative fashion but it totally makes sense that your irritated at having to take the fall !
nightkat89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you for at least having sympathy. I’d like to think I’m easy going for the most part. I never want to end up being “that” partner.
Kyde_Drakes 11 points 1y ago
If they are enforcing it on some, but not all, then call ethics. Or, next time you walk in and someone isn’t in dress code then change your shirt in the bathroom to something not in dress code. If they insist you change back then point out that someone else isn’t in dress code. All or none. No favorites.
I was training to be a shift and did my store walk with the DM. When dress code topic popped up it was pointed out that my shift that day was not in dress code (wearing red). I was told to ask my own shift why she wasn’t in dress code and she looked me dead in the eye and said, “Because what are you going to do about it?” And walked away.
I told my DM and she just told me to relay that message to my store manager. Point of fact, that same shift got promoted to ASM at a brand new store because the DM loved her.
Either play their game, or keep on keeping on. The siren plays favorites and there’s not much we can do about it.
I was training to be a shift and did my store walk with the DM. When dress code topic popped up it was pointed out that my shift that day was not in dress code (wearing red). I was told to ask my own shift why she wasn’t in dress code and she looked me dead in the eye and said, “Because what are you going to do about it?” And walked away.
I told my DM and she just told me to relay that message to my store manager. Point of fact, that same shift got promoted to ASM at a brand new store because the DM loved her.
Either play their game, or keep on keeping on. The siren plays favorites and there’s not much we can do about it.
nightkat89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Yeah that’s probably the sad hard truth.
xujnesx 5 points 1y ago
i mean as long as it isn’t a health or safety hazard i’m honestly not sure why it matters that much, if that store is just more lax on dress codes then i guess that’s just how it is?? if costumers don’t care and your baristas are otherwise doing things to standard etc etc i don’t think it should make a difference what they’re wearing - and besides do you really want to be the one to to make it an issue? i would say you should wear whatever you’re most comfy in and let others do the same. if your sm gives you issues about what you’re wearing then you can bring up how dress code hasn’t been enforced with other partners. like someone else said well trained hard working baristas out of dress code > slacker in perfect dress code
nightkat89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
It’s been an “issue” with me twice. Read one of my comments on another reply.
I’ve been called out twice for not being in code for wearing a dress (I’m trans but doubt that matters) Made sure the dress was in code, leggings underneath, proper footwear…
I normally don’t give a single shit about dress code as I take the approach of “I’m just happy you showed up to work.”
But as of recent if it’s going to be applied to me, it needs to be applied to everyone; that or leave me the fuck alone and let me work
I’ve been called out twice for not being in code for wearing a dress (I’m trans but doubt that matters) Made sure the dress was in code, leggings underneath, proper footwear…
I normally don’t give a single shit about dress code as I take the approach of “I’m just happy you showed up to work.”
But as of recent if it’s going to be applied to me, it needs to be applied to everyone; that or leave me the fuck alone and let me work
xujnesx 2 points 1y ago
oh, didn’t see the reply. (you should probably edit your post to include that honestly cuz otherwise it really does just look like you’re being petty) i thought you were just talking about past experience with stricter dress codes. that really sucks, but i feel like the better option would still be having a more relaxed code for everyone (including you) than having everyone have to be stricter. i suck at confrontation on almost all levels tho so i have no idea how you could bring that up to your shifts or managers. but i totally understand that it just might not work out that way if your manager is being shitty about it lol. so either way i agree, it should never be enforced un-equally, if other partners can be that out of dress code and not face anything for it than you should be able to as well lol. but maybe if your manager is still super picky about it you could go higher to the dm or something?? good luck!!
jamesbeast215 4 points 1y ago
Don't be that person.
nightkat89 [OP] 0 points 1y ago
So I’m supposed to have it enforced on me but not say anything when others are out of code?
BusyLeek2351 4 points 1y ago
Just mind your business this shouldn’t even be a concern. Their outfits has nothing to do with you or your job don’t be that person. For the love of his don’t be that person
thepoopbathroom 3 points 1y ago
You’re not the SM so why care
nightkat89 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Because it’s being enforced on me? That’s when I start to care.
Either care about all the partners, or don’t. Picking and choosing is a route to pissing people off
Either care about all the partners, or don’t. Picking and choosing is a route to pissing people off
TrueCrime101 2 points 1y ago
Feel free to address it with your SM. I’m willing to bet this will be their response:
New stores come with a lot of challenges. You’re often struggling to get the store to a baseline, because you’re working in a system that isn’t quite developed yet.
While that system is being built, you pick your battles. Some things just aren’t going to be the primary concern. Once you get everyone up to speed, and your drive times are down, and the store is running smoothly, *then* it’s likely your DM will put pressure on your SM to enforce dress code.
I only say this because my store went through a similar scenario recently.
If you want to become a shift, don’t be afraid to point out when something is wrong. Just do it in an inquisitive way, and not an accusatory one.
As a shift, you have to learn the best way to approach addressing a situation so that you resolve the issue while simultaneously not upsetting partners (within reason). Let this be your first test.
New stores come with a lot of challenges. You’re often struggling to get the store to a baseline, because you’re working in a system that isn’t quite developed yet.
While that system is being built, you pick your battles. Some things just aren’t going to be the primary concern. Once you get everyone up to speed, and your drive times are down, and the store is running smoothly, *then* it’s likely your DM will put pressure on your SM to enforce dress code.
I only say this because my store went through a similar scenario recently.
If you want to become a shift, don’t be afraid to point out when something is wrong. Just do it in an inquisitive way, and not an accusatory one.
As a shift, you have to learn the best way to approach addressing a situation so that you resolve the issue while simultaneously not upsetting partners (within reason). Let this be your first test.
mama_bibi 2 points 1y ago
I feel this on a deep level and I'm a shift. I watch my SM play favorites and let some get away with dress code violatins while trying to enforce it on others. It's both unfair and disrespectful to the ones who are in dress code every day and have been pointed out and so on. I would love to wear leggings to work with how much I move around. It's just more comfortable. It's absolutely aggravating to watch people wear graphic tees or not wear their hat or even pull their masks down on the floor. I dont say anything because how can I? I'm not the manager so if I say something to the baristas I sound ridiculous because the SM doesn't so who am I to say something. I just show up, work, and go home. As long as you don't continue to feel picked on amongst the crowd I would let it go. If it continues where something is said to you and not others than I would call corporate and report it.
nightkat89 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I’m tempted to take these as the next steps. I just don’t want to ruffle feathers, but I also want equality
badcaseofgingerv 2 points 1y ago
When I was a Shift/ASM, I always approached the dress code from this angle:
We are a team, and part of being a team is following the guidelines that are in place so we are a cohesive unit. The dress code is a visual representation of unity. When everyone is doing what they are suppose to be doing, there is a sense of unity and the shift flows easier.
We are a team, and part of being a team is following the guidelines that are in place so we are a cohesive unit. The dress code is a visual representation of unity. When everyone is doing what they are suppose to be doing, there is a sense of unity and the shift flows easier.
nightkat89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
That’s a really good way to view it
apple_low 2 points 1y ago
I get where you're coming from bc that difference in experience can feel targetted and frustrating, but at the end of the day it works out for the best for most people and personally I wouldn't want to rain over someone else's parade bc of this. I've felt feelings like this before too, but it's honestly kind of petty so I just try to have a new attitude or mindset and to not get so hung up.
nightkat89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
It’s not pettiness is it’s about fairness. It almost makes me feel like I’m being targeted in a way. I really don’t want to bring ethics into it because I’d rather just be like “okay, we’ll code doesn’t apply to anyone; or it applies to everyone.” And leave it at that.
You shouldn’t be picking and choosing who it applies to. Period.
You shouldn’t be picking and choosing who it applies to. Period.
apple_low 1 points 1y ago
You stated this was something from THREE years ago. At that point, it's petty. It's almost like a 'get with the times' type of thing. If they're lenient now, they're lenient now. This isn't targetted if this is explicitly about past strictness vs. present strictness. If you, right now, could get away with the exact same clothes as those 'younger,' 'newer' baristas are wearing, then no, you are not targetted.
I'd only bother complaining about the hats/headwear if that's a requirement of the area but complaining about a newer, more lenient dress code that many ppl like and that isn't really targeting anyone if literally anyone could get away with it simply put is petty. It's not going to affect you directly and it didn't sound like there's a genuine concern nor that you are in an authoritative position to make a decision on that.
Edit: i realized this isn't necessarily past vs. present too. This is also how a (I'm assuming) different SM is working. What I've said still fits though. If this is a completely different person you're working under/for, then even more of reason that would make it petty to complain bc this isn't even the same person/people who dress coded strictily three years ago.
I'd only bother complaining about the hats/headwear if that's a requirement of the area but complaining about a newer, more lenient dress code that many ppl like and that isn't really targeting anyone if literally anyone could get away with it simply put is petty. It's not going to affect you directly and it didn't sound like there's a genuine concern nor that you are in an authoritative position to make a decision on that.
Edit: i realized this isn't necessarily past vs. present too. This is also how a (I'm assuming) different SM is working. What I've said still fits though. If this is a completely different person you're working under/for, then even more of reason that would make it petty to complain bc this isn't even the same person/people who dress coded strictily three years ago.
nightkat89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Read my replies from other comments before you go on the offensive.
The whole reason I made this post was because within the last month, I’ve been coached about dress code TWICE for wearing things that were within the dress code but because I’m trans I guess I’m not permitted to? (A dress with leggings for example, had sleeves and the proper pallete and material and length)
Also for a further FYI; our district does require everyone to wear hats or headbands of some type and I know this because I’ve only worked for this district for three years.
But anywhoooo…
The whole reason I made this post was because within the last month, I’ve been coached about dress code TWICE for wearing things that were within the dress code but because I’m trans I guess I’m not permitted to? (A dress with leggings for example, had sleeves and the proper pallete and material and length)
Also for a further FYI; our district does require everyone to wear hats or headbands of some type and I know this because I’ve only worked for this district for three years.
But anywhoooo…
apple_low 3 points 1y ago
Tbh I'm a lot more empathetic now, but I definitely don't appreciate atitude for information that wasn't even there to begin with. It wasn't there and it still isn't there (the main post) and when you reply to an individual, why should I be expected to scour other replies? I wouldn't expect this on any Internet person unless the person who replies to me made it clear that they did scour/glance at my other replies but they clearly cherrypicked.
In the end though, yeah, you're totally in the right. It's total unfairness with the new info, I'd just report. You wouldn't be that person if it's like this. If you have the kind of relationships or peesonality, you could casually mention it to the newer baristas so that they can understand the situation and not become hostile if they somehow catch word and fhe facts are twisted up.
Also, I have no clue why you're bringing up the hat/headwear. If you know what's required and what's not, just report it. I never implied much else.
In the end though, yeah, you're totally in the right. It's total unfairness with the new info, I'd just report. You wouldn't be that person if it's like this. If you have the kind of relationships or peesonality, you could casually mention it to the newer baristas so that they can understand the situation and not become hostile if they somehow catch word and fhe facts are twisted up.
Also, I have no clue why you're bringing up the hat/headwear. If you know what's required and what's not, just report it. I never implied much else.
FunBooger 0 points 1y ago
Our store manager has threatened to send people home, but since we’re chronically understaffed, that doesn’t seem realistic.
canidieyet_ -4 points 1y ago
I would definitely bring it up to your SM. I would also just give the partners a heads up if you see them out of dress code. It’s super annoying and unfair to the older baristas who had to actually follow the rules see new partners walk in with cheetah print pants and have nothing said to them. Our store got really bad for it, and it was annoying to me personally to see people walk in with crop tops or tank tops without consequences when my ass would’ve been handed to me lol
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