Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Scared of requesting accommodation. (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by claretamazon
I recently started at a corporate store transferring from a licensed store and quickly (like the day I had training on it) knew that the headsets would be an issue. Between customer orders, coworkers talking, and then trying to listen to customers or coworkers that are in front of me and concentrating on making drinks... I've already had silent meltdowns. Speaking to my leads about it, they've been cool. Until one last night said that this would be an issue. So I put in a request for accommodation and talked to my store manager about it.
Now I'm scared shitless that I will be seen as a PITA or a liar. I don't have a PCP/medical professional who can give paperwork to support this due to things that happened in the past. So I just... hate this limbo and the thought that my coworkers hate me.
Edit: Forgot to mention, I have ADHD, so sensory overload is causing the meltdowns.
Now I'm scared shitless that I will be seen as a PITA or a liar. I don't have a PCP/medical professional who can give paperwork to support this due to things that happened in the past. So I just... hate this limbo and the thought that my coworkers hate me.
Edit: Forgot to mention, I have ADHD, so sensory overload is causing the meltdowns.
esaeklsg 6 points 1y ago
I had several coworkers that couldn't wear a headset or do DT regularly for one reason or another. Honest answer, it's something that on unlucky combination days, can be really frustrating for coworkers. Depending on how staffing works out it might mean another coworker is always doing DT, and if there is a reason they aren't comfortable doing DT that day, they're still stuck with it. But on your average day it's probably NBD.
Gh0stb0y6 2 points 1y ago
Hi! I’m an autistic partner and i’ve actually worked through requesting official accommodations! what helps me is wearing earplugs at work to cut down on that. also since you have the lyra benefit you should at least get a therapist so that way if you ever need proof of anything you can have them write something!
defendpoppunk77 2 points 1y ago
Honestly, if they don’t give you the accommodation that’s just piss poor corporate policy at its best. ADHD is not to be messed with and it can make or break your shift. Your shift supervisor should have never made you feel like you were an issue just for having it and should have been kinder and more willing to accommodate. While we can’t do any official accommodations without it being an official thing, there’s still leeway and if they aren’t willing to work around it I would bring it up to your SM.
esaeklsg 2 points 1y ago
We don't really know how the convo with the SS went down. It was said at night, and yeah, if the SM is doing something like scheduling a barista who can never do DT on a 3-person close, I could see that being an issue long-term. I would think accommodations here start with the SM scheduling op for busier peak-middays where there are more baristas to rotate and more cafe-focused positions.
claretamazon [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Most of my SS's are cool with it and I am very upfront with those I work with about the sensory overload. All of them have been very willing to work with me on it, and happy that I spoke to them about it. I cover dt breaks and try to do short stints until I feel it becoming too much.
My SM understands, I brought up that it might be an issue in my interview, and I am trying to work with them by opening my availability to all hours to keep from being a burden on the rest of the store.
My SM understands, I brought up that it might be an issue in my interview, and I am trying to work with them by opening my availability to all hours to keep from being a burden on the rest of the store.
XMyshelX 2 points 1y ago
Took me a month to get used to the overwhelming nature of headsets without having any sensory problems can’t imagine trying to do it with.
emofish91 2 points 1y ago
I also have ADHD and auditory processing disorder, I don't have any documentation but when I covered at drive thru stores (I used to work at a cafe store when I was a shift) I just warned the SM that I couldn't wear a headset due to a hearing impairment. Nobody questioned it, but it did make closing a large store difficult. It can be done though!
Jena876543 1 points 1y ago
Hopefully it’s not an issue with them by the sound of it you can still work drive thru just not on bar with a headset as well. If you can’t wear a headset at all their are so many other task throughout the day that don’t need a headset.
claretamazon [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I've been able to solo bar without the headset, just keep a close eye on the printers. Working the window is something I enjoyed when I was paired with someone.
Thankfully, my SM is cool with it and just wants the accommodation so that others don't complain.
Thankfully, my SM is cool with it and just wants the accommodation so that others don't complain.
Gh0st_W6lker 1 points 1y ago
Have you considered moving to a cafe store instead? They're only two avenues of orders, mobiles and cafe. I don't have ADHD but I've covered at a Drive thru a few times and I get overwhelmed. While cafe can get hectic, it might be easier for you to focus
claretamazon [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Unfortunately, all of the stores around me are all DT. I so would if we had cafe only.
BeardiesRule112 1 points 1y ago
I had a coworker who couldn’t wear a hat (we have to wear one) or a headset because of a TBI. It wasn’t an issue but she did have a doctors note for her accommodation
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