Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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how does your store deal with gossiping among partners? (PLEASE HELP) (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by [deleted]
i’ve noticed that in my store, there’s a bit of a problem with partners (shift supervisors specifically) talking heaaavy shit about partners behind their backs, baristas and managers alike. this is including some much younger baristas, they don’t even lay off on the minor baristas we have. tbh, that’s entirely disgusting to me, they’re essentially bullying KIDS. it’s especially gross since it’s usually SSVs doing this. SSVs are supposed to set an example, not to mention they pretty much determine the energy for the day. i brought this up with our manager when the shit-talking on the floor started making me so angry that my default state at work was trembling and messing things up left & right. it seemed to me like they had a talk with the shift supervisors about it, but nothing really changed, people still shit-talk partners openly and shamelessly, both in the back and on the floor, and even over the headsets for everyone working to hear. it honestly makes it SO difficult for me to even be there, let alone do my job properly and be friendly to customers. i’m so close to transferring stores. how do your stores deal with this? how can i handle a situation like this?? any advice?
edit: most people i talk to about this tell me that’s just what working is like, and there’ll be people gossiping like that everywhere. i’ve essentially been told to stop being so sensitive sm times :/ i’d really like to know if they’re right and this is universal, but even if that’s the case, it’s not right and i’m still going to take action to try and change it. i don’t think it’s “childish” to strive for basic respect in the workplace. thoughts on that?
edit: most people i talk to about this tell me that’s just what working is like, and there’ll be people gossiping like that everywhere. i’ve essentially been told to stop being so sensitive sm times :/ i’d really like to know if they’re right and this is universal, but even if that’s the case, it’s not right and i’m still going to take action to try and change it. i don’t think it’s “childish” to strive for basic respect in the workplace. thoughts on that?
killerweeee 43 points 1y ago
It’s not the way it is. I worked at Burger King and several restraint jobs from cashier to server, it wasn’t as bad as Sbux. If you don’t need the insurance, find a better job.
[deleted] [OP] 13 points 1y ago
oof, unfortunately i do need the insurance, as well as some other benefits that were my reasoning for picking sbux in the first place. but on top of that, i like my job. it really seems like the best fit for me, if i’m to work in fast food at all. especially considering that i’m trans, and sbux is just about the most trans-friendly place of work out there. it’s really comforting to me that if any partner says anything degrading to me about it, i can report it and action will be taken, lest sbux lose its “third place” energy, as they like to call it
C0ffeeCoffeeC0ffee 16 points 1y ago
Not all Starbucks locations are like this. It may be worth going into some other locations near you and asking some of the baristqs what it's like to work there. Then you can request a transfer to a store that seems like a better fit.
[deleted] [OP] 4 points 1y ago
tysm, this is so helpful! i’ll put some feelers out c:
killerweeee 4 points 1y ago
I tried Sbux for the same reason but it didn’t work out. I am gonna try Amazon. Good luck.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
thanks, best of luck to you too!
StormTheParade 30 points 1y ago
There is always going to be gossip. The only way I've ever seen a coworker sort of put a stop to it was an awesome SSV I had at my first store. The second the gossip became toxic/negative, she would say "I'm not talking about this," and would just walk away. It helps stop the circulation of bullshit and she would make sure not to spread anything she would overhear. Most of us followed suit with that.
That, plus a manager that held himself accountable for most things, led to a store that pretty much never gossiped/spread rumours. There were still small complaints, but nothing between coworkers that would cause drama and stress to increase
That, plus a manager that held himself accountable for most things, led to a store that pretty much never gossiped/spread rumours. There were still small complaints, but nothing between coworkers that would cause drama and stress to increase
[deleted] [OP] 8 points 1y ago
that sounds awesome!! where are all the SSVs like that when i need them!! maybe if i start reporting everyone who gossips like that by name, they’ll crack down… thoughts??
edit: before, i just reported that SSVs were gossiping a lot, and that i felt it was severely affecting the work environment as well as my ability to do my job, but i didn’t give any names
edit: before, i just reported that SSVs were gossiping a lot, and that i felt it was severely affecting the work environment as well as my ability to do my job, but i didn’t give any names
StormTheParade 6 points 1y ago
Reporting people is just going to make all the heat come down on you. It's a great way to build tension to a boiling point, and Starbucks *breeds* pettiness. The high-pressure high-stress environment can bring out the worst in people, and you'll end up more miserable.
[deleted] [OP] 3 points 1y ago
any advice then?
converse_ing 20 points 1y ago
I simple don't let it happen around me. I just shut it. I'm quick to be like "that's not nice and I don't wanna hear it" " Sounds like you need to talk to someone who can help you with that" "we need to set a better example, we don't have to be friends but don't be disrespectful " "if we spent as much time as we do talking about each other,as we did talking to customers our customer connection wouldn't be in the trash"
[deleted] [OP] 4 points 1y ago
oooo, that last point is FIRE!! all these points are fire, actually, but that one rly just brings it all together! my store’s customer connection score isn’t great, even though we have real potential for it on our team. my manager would eat that up if i said it!! tysm :D
Status-Ad-3893 8 points 1y ago
Transfer. Not all locations are like this. Every store I’ve personally worked at have had really strong partnerships between the workers
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
heard, tysm!!
Anxiousurca 7 points 1y ago
In my opinion that’s just life at starbucks. This is my second time working for the company (different stores in different states) and i’ve always said that starbucks is the most gossip driven job i’ve ever worked. I think it really just happens as a result of working in such close proximity to each other for that many hours a week. 🤷🏼♀️ At my store, SSV’s are worse than the baristas as far as shit talking and gossiping.
I’d just keep bring it up to your SM every time you hear and drop names too. The squeaky wheel gets the grease ya know
I’d just keep bring it up to your SM every time you hear and drop names too. The squeaky wheel gets the grease ya know
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
tysm, i think i will start dropping names
bagels224357 6 points 1y ago
I mean it sucks but honestly who cares. Let people talk shit, you can’t really control what other people think or say and it really doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of you tbh least of all your random Starbucks coworkers lol. If it upsets you that much I’d just quit or transfer it’s not really worth the effort to try to stop it
sweet-seat 4 points 1y ago
they should care because it creates a hostile work environment? talk all the shit you want about the partners off the floor, but at work, knock it off. there's plenty of other things to talk about.
bagels224357 2 points 1y ago
I mean I agree in theory but I’m just saying you can’t control other people so just don’t engage and try not to let it bother you so much
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
that’s the thing though, if this is the case everywhere and there’s always gonna be people gossiping like that, what’s the point in transferring or quitting?? i like my job otherwise, my store is in a convenient location for me, i already know how it functions, etc. it seems like an unnecessary step back to quit or transfer if this is always gonna happen no matter what
bagels224357 3 points 1y ago
I don’t think it’s the case everywhere necessarily but I don’t think there’s a way to like guarantee no one will ever talk shit or have negative attitudes it’s just how a lot of people are unfortunately
KindDiscipline1007 6 points 1y ago
Transfer
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
heard!
Pheebers713 4 points 1y ago
Make notes of specific things they are saying. Then sit down with your SM and read them to her. Ask the SM how you think X barista would feel if they found out someone said it. Tell them that if baristas find out half the things they’re saying, you wouldn’t blame them if they quit. It’s not appropriate and crates a toxic work environment. And if they’re talking shit over the head set, let your SM know if they curse. Cursing over the headset is a fireable offense, at least that’s what my SM tells me.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
tysm, this is super helpful!! i’ll totally do that!
omogal123 4 points 1y ago
i have similar story! Someone told me that they talking crap behind my back, i didnt think about it that much bc i literally just work at Starbucks maybe 1-2 in two weeks. I let them talk about me bc I’m not the one struggling working here. What bothers me is i thought they were my friend but it brought me to a thought of maybe its time to leave bc i don’t even wanna spend my time here even if i only work a day
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
i’m sorry to hear that, that rly sucks :c. i hope you found smth better!
lewabwee 3 points 1y ago
Everywhere I’ve worked we’ve complained about certain people. It can be an important means of releasing tension since everyone is bound together by occupation and not friendship. Some people are just going to annoy everyone around them and it’s necessary to address that tension before it boils over.
This isn’t to say though that it’s normal to complain about every single person you work with or to really talk shit about the small things. There’s definitely a point where it just becomes gross. I’ve seen that and I don’t like it honestly. The line where it becomes gross though is probably a personal opinion.
This isn’t to say though that it’s normal to complain about every single person you work with or to really talk shit about the small things. There’s definitely a point where it just becomes gross. I’ve seen that and I don’t like it honestly. The line where it becomes gross though is probably a personal opinion.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
also, in my experience, it’s never true that complaining about coworkers breaks tension. ever. it can only fester more tension in the long run, even if there’s an immediate momentary release. it can’t last, that’s like blowing out a candle only to set a forest fire. and tbh, as someone who’s been on the other end of that kind of behavior, it’s honestly really sad that people can believe it’s EVER okay to gossip about a coworker. that shit hurts, and it’s not like it’s not obvious people have a problem with you. please please PLEASE, just talk to those people directly. don’t be immature.
lewabwee 1 points 1y ago
And I question your definition or understanding of both maturity and human nature. I think it’s underdeveloped and not based upon experience but something far more idealistic.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
why should i settle for what’s common when we all know it’s wrong? just because it’s “human nature” doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to be better… i don’t think that’s “idealistic,” it’s simply not passive. and frankly, in my opinion, the idea that we should just accept things that we know to be wrong because we doubt our ability to change it is what’s immature.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
the thing about that is that the best way to break that tension isn’t to gossip about that person, it’s to talk to that person directly and give them constructive feedback. how else are they supposed to fix their behavior? talking about it behind their back really just seems petty and cruel to me… there’s no reason not to have a mature discussion about it. any gossip is gross.
lewabwee 1 points 1y ago
You... clearly don’t understand the nature of the person I’m speaking about. If they took constructive feedback and altered their behavior based upon that in a healthy manner they wouldn’t be the type of person who upsets an entire shift. Not everyone is mature and willing to listen and you still gotta get through your day with them. Complaining helps you calm down after holding it in in their presence.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
still though, you could do that with someone who isn’t their coworker after your shift…. gossiping about someone with all of their coworkers is really just humiliating and cruel, tbh. if you really need to vent about it, do it with a neutral third party please. there’s no reason to be a bully.
also, if their behavior really is a problem and they won’t listen to feedback, that’s an issue to take up with your store manager. complaining about them won’t do a thing, while bringing the issue to a higher up is actively seeking resolution. do you see what i’m trying to say? there’s a better way to go about all of this
also, if their behavior really is a problem and they won’t listen to feedback, that’s an issue to take up with your store manager. complaining about them won’t do a thing, while bringing the issue to a higher up is actively seeking resolution. do you see what i’m trying to say? there’s a better way to go about all of this
idkcassie 3 points 1y ago
Not the way it is. I was a barista for 3 ish years and sure there was some gossiping, but when it got out of hand someone always shut it down. Even if it meant talking back to my SSV. I remember one time that I did end up apologizing for doing it (just to maintain civility) was when an SSV was complaining nonstop about a partner over the headset. A lot of us had headsets. I straight up called him out on always wanting someone to complain about. He stopped talking pretty fast. It was awkward. I dont regret it. The occasional gossip is normal. To the point it’s bullying? Not cool.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
amen! there have been SO MANY TIMES where i’ve come unbelievably close to hopping on the headset and saying “can we pls focus on what we’re here to do?” or smth along those lines!! the only thing holding me back has been the thought that i can do more good if they won’t guess that i’m the one ratting them out. they won’t watch their mouths around me if they think i agree with them, so i can catch them and report them. but it’s SO HARD to keep my cool enough to stay quiet!!!
Adventurous_Board933 3 points 1y ago
Who actually cares lol like seriously 😭ppl talk shit at every job. You snitch and they finna talk about you
[deleted] [OP] 2 points 1y ago
it’s not right though…i don’t think it’s okay to just accept that “that’s how it is,” when we all know it’s wrong. there’s no excuse not to take action and be the change you want to see, yk?
board-certified 2 points 1y ago
confront the people you think gossip and make a toxic place to work and document these instances in detail. if they don’t change tell your boss and cite each detail so they know you’re not playing. if you sm doesn’t do anything about it document that meeting and escalate it immediately.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
heard, tysm! this is totally an approach i can get behind!
sh3nan1gans_ 2 points 1y ago
I feel this. I’m seeing the same at my store. But it’s between the manager and shift leads. My manager is talking so much stuff about one shift leader to her friend who is also a shift lead. It really sucks
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
that’s terrible!! i’d go above your manager to the district manager and report this, if you haven’t done so already. that’s so not okay for a SM!!!
Necessary_Low939 2 points 1y ago
Like they will say if I have something to say about u I will tell u but they won’t and when u confront them they think ure the problem. I just let it be. Starbucks ain’t my main job sooo ya
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
so true, how am i supposed to fix the problem if i don’t know there is one? it’s their job to tell me and give me feedback
Necessary_Low939 2 points 1y ago
U just gotta improve and ignore it. It seems like this is an ongoing issue. U are not the problem. They are. The sm has to address. If u feel uncomfortable, transfer— however, what if the other location is the same? People like that will Criticize anything u do. Even if ure perfect. For example, I am fast on bar and don’t make a lot of mess. They say I don’t connect with customers, rude to them, etc. I don’t know how to talk to people. U name it. 🤷🏻♀️ I know it’s hard now but years from now u won’t care. So just say to urself they are fcken sad ass bitches and do something fun for urself.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
ty for the advice!! but the idea of doing nothing doesn’t really sit right with me. the gossiping makes me angry on other peoples’ behalf. it’s not okay to be that kind of bully to anyone, let alone a kid. it just really disgusts me, yk? i feel like it would be wrong not to do anything further about it when i have the power to
Necessary_Low939 1 points 1y ago
U have done what u can but still got nowhere. I mean have u confront them? Again u would look like u have problems. I literally confronted one of them and they think I’m being annoying or in the wrong. 🤷🏻♀️ lol this is my hobby job. If I’m not having fun I’m switching stores!
Electronic_Rough_973 2 points 1y ago
u should probably transfer. no one at my store gossips at all unless it's about customers. we all appreciate each other and constantly compliment how hard we all work, especially during peak.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
tysm, that sounds sm better!!! maybe i will transfer :)
Necessary_Low939 1 points 1y ago
Sadly this is my store recently too. It was not like this before.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
i’m sorry to hear that :(
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nicathor 0 points 1y ago
Record them. Once you catch something particularly damaging turn it in and they can clean house. If nothing happens go above your SM with the evidence. Life is hard enough without coworkers being toxic a\*\*holes
[deleted] [OP] 0 points 1y ago
tysm!! so helpful :D
[deleted] [OP] -1 points 1y ago
Plant a seed like survivor fuck with them for it. If you aren't gonna get fired. There is no other way around it. Just don't talk personal life on the floor. Mindless fuckery if you need to talk.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
oh?? what kind of seed?
[deleted] [OP] 0 points 1y ago
Since your lgbtq you can always report them for that route.
[deleted] [OP] 2 points 1y ago
truuuuue
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