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Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind

r/starbucksbaristas

Full History - 2022 - 06 - 02 - ID#v3fbvn

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Are we allowed to go the back during peak to drink water? (self.starbucksbaristas)

submitted by silver_fang123

I was on cold bev during peak and I had no drinks so I said i’ll be right back i’m going to go take a drink of water and my store manager yelled at me saying you can’t go to the back for a drink when it’s peak. Is that a rule?? It’s never been a problem but my new SM has been making random new rules

trentablondelatte 246 points 1y ago

ew, you always should always allowed to take a sip if ur not busy.

Badmouthedbastard 102 points 1y ago

Heavy on the “ew”

trentablondelatte 51 points 1y ago

some managers or supervisors blow my mind. I’d be terrified to transfer to some stores when i hear them acting like that.

silver_fang123 [OP] 47 points 1y ago

she makes me want to transfer so bad. We’ve had so many people leave cause of her. I’m just worried the other stores would be the same

iiiimagery 16 points 1y ago

Have you talked to your DM? And you might as well try transferring! Could turn out better

Ok_Visit_1968 5 points 1y ago

Tell her your going to do what you need to do and she can do whatever she needs to do. I would suggest she lower her tone as well or she can be on the bar herself.

Badmouthedbastard 108 points 1y ago

I WISH somebody would tell me that I couldn’t drink some water. You should always be able to drink water when you are thirsty, we are not robots.

overturned23 77 points 1y ago

Your manager can suck my ass. Yes you can drink water and it’s encouraged to drink water especially when it’s getting hotter

raleigh2012 65 points 1y ago

One time an SM decided that I took “too many” water breaks??? So she told all the SSV’s I wasn’t allowed in the back unless I was on a break.
My next day off I got a doctors note that stated it was imperative that I be allowed to drink as much water as I might need because it “is necessary for all humans health and well-being”
When I brought it in, she said I would need to file it with PCC for her to honor it. So I sat next to her with PCC on speaker for 20-30mins (on her clock!!) TO FILE A WHOLE ASS MEDICAL ACCOMMODATION JUST TO DRINK WATER.

FairProfessional0 10 points 1y ago

That’s insane. I always try to drink at least 2 trenta waters per shift (for any shift under 6 hours long), even if it means taking sips or going to the bathroom more often than my coworkers. Hydration is so important to me, plus I get thirsty pretty quickly without a drink. Just because others don’t hydrate as much as I do doesn’t mean I can’t or shouldn’t! That manager has no right to say someone is drinking water too much.

Kindly-Newt-4856 42 points 1y ago

My first manager with the company tried to tell me I couldn’t get drinks of water unless I was on a break, even though I’m extremely heat sensitive. This company hires and promoters straight up bullies to be managers it’s pathetic

iiiimagery 9 points 1y ago

It's for anti unionizing:) scare us away is their tactic

ilovelimes333 4 points 1y ago

SO TRUE. one of the things i hate the most is when my coworkers talk crap about other coworkers or .. (i dont wanna say bc i dont want customers to know🖐🏼). but it brings so much negative energy to the work environment i swear. it makes me angry.

Necessary_Low939 36 points 1y ago

“Would u rather me faint during a peak?”

suneimi 11 points 1y ago

Ugh, I have autonomic dysfunction and hydration/electrolytes are essential for me or I *will* faint. It’s generally an “invisible” illness, though, so people sometimes think I’m being extra/exploitative with all the sips I’m running to take in the back (we are *not* allowed to drink anything on the floor unless we’re having a group tasting), and the couple quick bathroom breaks I’ll end up needing… I just feel so bad - and get angry - when management doesn’t seem to care about basic wellness especially when you’ve been busting butt during peak or talking constantly on POS or DTO.

So along with not allowing water - not allowing people to go to the bathroom is nonsense - I don’t know about most people but if I’m holding it for too long I’ll start slipping up in my work because of the discomfort…. The good SMs and SSVs I’ve had will cover for the mini-breaks - when they take care of us, it boosts morale and productivity. Not sure why so many don’t understand that…. Do we need to start strapping saline packs to our arms and wearing astronaut undies?

Necessary_Low939 4 points 1y ago

If u show ur medical papers I’m sure it’s fine. I close so I usually can do whatever I want because I have chilled supervisors, except for one but whatever

suneimi 11 points 1y ago

I personally do get accommodated but it looks weird to get “special treatment” for water/bathroom that everyone should have as a basic right. 😕

Necessary_Low939 7 points 1y ago

Everyone should just be able to go to the bathroom whenever they need to. End of story. Water? Medical accommodation is all ima say.

[deleted] 1 points 1y ago

[removed]

Zealousideal-Star448 28 points 1y ago

Low key keep notes of stuff like this. What exact time and date was it? If it’s a drive thru keep track of the dto time. Did any customers see them freak on ya for getting water? If it happens enough you could play the report button and tell your district manager your concern for partners health and safety. If they aren’t allowing you to get water what other dangerous and inhumane things are they doing? These are the ones ment to mark out expired holiday products, what if they were leaving them to be sold after expired? They clearly value the sale over the safety of their employees let alone the safety of customers?

silver_fang123 [OP] 22 points 1y ago

I’ll start taking notes of it all! Some customers have seen her freak out on us before and reported her

canidieyet_ 4 points 1y ago

make sure to take down the date/time too!!

Druid_of_Twilight 20 points 1y ago

I had to tell other shifts to stop denying people water, especially since we weren't busy... but if you're thirsty you should be able to get water

Complex_Imagination9 15 points 1y ago

You are allowed to drink water and use the restroom. It baffles me SSVs, ASMs, SMs forget that they work with humans who are protected by labor laws. Screw 45 second otw.

accountedthrowaway5 14 points 1y ago

I mean you’re always entitled to drink water in the back, and especially when you don’t have drinks. There’s not a rule saying that you can’t drink water during peak but it would be better to try to help around and whatnot that to be the only person going to the back for a little break while everyone’s scrambling to get drinks out yanno

silver_fang123 [OP] 14 points 1y ago

Yea I would understand her saying something if it was extremely busy but our peaks have been weird lately. We weren’t busy at all. There were no mobiles and drive thru was almost caught up. Bar 1 was finishing the last drink

deathbeforedecaf1984 11 points 1y ago

As a manager I’m shocked people wouldn’t let you drink water. Just tell me you’re sliding off to hydrate and take care of yourself. Big ew to managers behaving like dictators

silver_fang123 [OP] 6 points 1y ago

I make sure to say i’m stepping off real quick every time cause I know that it can be frustrating to turn around and not know where someone went. I’ve never had anyone have a problem with it. She’s the definition of “behaving like a dictator”

[deleted] 9 points 1y ago

I was known to walk off floor for 3 minutes at a time to down 32 ounces

kysterrgreenbean 8 points 1y ago

this came up today in my store and it’s not asking for the world. i’ve seen people so busy they almost faint from being dehydrated or not eating before work. especially when they drunk caffeine.

canidieyet_ 6 points 1y ago

uhhhhh yeah. i always run to the back to get a drink of water during peak if i have a second. your manager can’t deny you water

Imaginary-Fix-2469 6 points 1y ago

Ur sm is just a dick. During my peak im allowed to piss pee drink or do whatever is necessary to function as a human being that is thirsty peey or just need a break gurl! 🙄 My managers are so nice. We work our asses off and I say u deserve a better manager. Maybe start doing nice things for them or saying good morning or whatever. To show theyre appreciated. I mean I already do that just because i fucking love my managers with all my heart and all that they do. They mean the world to me.

deli_cue 5 points 1y ago

Not a rule and you can’t work if you’re not feeling well. If your SM or any other person tries to control you in such a way, they are panicking and need a nice conversation over coffee ☕️.

poopylilbutt 5 points 1y ago

If there weren’t any drinks for you to make or help with you should’ve been able to get some water lol. As long as you didn’t dawdle. That’s so weird 😛😛😛

WellEO19 5 points 1y ago

Ask to see the policy that states that

CoffeeChesirecat 5 points 1y ago

Your manager sounds like a jackass.

mrcupcake18 4 points 1y ago

I’m reading these comments and let me just say, no one and I mean NO ONE should have to justify why they need to drink water. Like wtf is this? This is ridiculous omg I wish a manager or anyone would tell me I could not get some water because oh man I might just get promoted to customer lol

Have_Donut 4 points 1y ago

Yes you can drink water.
I would always try to mention this either to HR or your DM. Managers like this cost the company serious money in turnover.

I always try to use words like “coaching opportunity” and “more training” to get the point across that it isn’t just me having the feelings

EdwardShittyhands 4 points 1y ago

i'm so glad i quit lmao

also no, there's no rule saying you can't get water during peak. i used to be a shift and i had another shift get mad at me once for letting someone go to the restroom during peak, as if i was going to make them wait for another hour to go pee.

managers and shifts try to make up rules all the time and it's so toxic and annoying.

bisexualgirlboss 4 points 1y ago

literally f them for that. do not let them tell you that you can’t drink water, as long as you notify someone on bar and or the shift you should be fine and heck, some shifts would suggest that you hydrate during your shifts bc ya know, we aren’t ✨robots✨

dayahorne 4 points 1y ago

I don't give a fuck how busy it is, if you need to step away for a minute or two to drink some water. Please do please. And if you had passed out it would have been on them.

Imaginary-Fix-2469 4 points 1y ago

Ur sm is just a dick.

PixelBlood02 3 points 1y ago

NAL but I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to not allow a worker access to basic human functions while working (i.e. water, bathroom, etc.)

1PinkPanda 3 points 1y ago

I’ve literally had to tell my manager “ I NEED to drink water, it is not affecting my work or anyone else’s, so I will drink “. She tried to tell me “ Drink on your break “ 😂😂😂 I will drink whenever I feel like I need to, I would understand her reaction if I was a lazy worker, but I’m not, I work hard and with all the talking moving and memorizing we do in just a few hours. I EARNED my few chugs of water 💦

leroytcw 2 points 1y ago

Ive had 20+ mobile stickers and walked off the floor to get a drink of water before and as long as thats the only thing I’m doing my SM or shift has never had a problem with it. Drive through bar is different but still

1PinkPanda 1 points 1y ago

Exactly there should be no problem from anyone, it’s a hard Job, we need our brains to function well, and for that we needa stay hydrated. No one but my SM has had a problem with drinking on shift.

krty98 3 points 1y ago

I’m 90% sure them telling you that you can’t take a drink of water is illegal

speculatingserpent 3 points 1y ago

You are allowed to get water. It's not a matter of Starbucks policy. I'm pretty sure not being permitted to drink water is an OSHA violation.

Edited for clarification.

blackboynxtdoor 3 points 1y ago

I've worked at 12 stores, in three states, under three different district managers, and I've never once heard that as a rule.

Desperate_Quail491 2 points 1y ago

My manager is VERY tough and expects a lot from us. But when I told her my medication made me very thirsty, she told me it’s fine as long as I come back quickly. Even during peak.

I’m so sorry to hear a lot of you don’t have that. You all deserve better.

salaciainthedepths 2 points 1y ago

Dude as a shift, I yell (jokingly) at my baristas if they AREN’T drinking enough water! It’s summer & everyone is moving super fast, even if someone has a line of drinks I’ll jump & cover them or the drinks can wait - water is a human right & essential.

Report any supervisor who doesn’t let staff have free access to water any time they want. As long as people know where you are and that you’re coming back, it isn’t an issue.

silver_fang123 [OP] 1 points 1y ago

Yes yes yes! I wish I had you as a shift

celloqueer 2 points 1y ago

That’s ridiculous. Never seen that shit at any of the 4 stores I’ve had shifts at. Get your water—especially if you’re on headset you’ll have a heads up when you’re needed

MatchingColors 2 points 1y ago

Employers cannot deny water. If you have a second to drink water that’s fine, but if it’s really busy, I appreciate those who can hold off until it’s not busy.

Either way not a huge deal to me personally

KamelFish 2 points 1y ago

I had managers be like hey guys get ready for peak hours to the bathroom go ahead and drink some coffee and water so that we are good to go during peak. But they never screamed if you had to step off that’s crazy.

NotyourangeLbabe 2 points 1y ago

I’ll be damned if someone tells me I can’t have water if I don’t have an immediate need in front if me. If I can’t go to the back to have it, I’ll drink it on the floor.

Pantera_Nehgrow100k 2 points 1y ago

#1 you shouldn't be getting yelled at. Fix that first. Why talk about anything else. And, I'm sure someone heard. And, you worried about water? How about self respect? Water. Water?

silver_fang123 [OP] 8 points 1y ago

She yells at us for everything. All the time. My coworker got yelled at for going to the back.. when she’s on cs, literally her job. She has no respect for our crew

Pantera_Nehgrow100k 4 points 1y ago

Umm guys. Mulitples getting yelled at? OMG. Umm there is a corporate number since there isn't anyone higher to go to day-to-day unless you somehow frequently see a RM regional?

That's still a seems odd and silly at the same time. Visually , I wish I would see or hear this kind of stuff .

Frustrations, I get it. We are human. But, to yell at a place of business, especially Starbucks atmosphere, yea, nah!

5ilver3ch0 1 points 1y ago

so do they just expect u to turn bodily functions off orr???

leroytcw 1 points 1y ago

This has been a thing with new SM and regional managers, theyre coming in and trying to redo how stores are working. This happened at my store months ago and when our stores performance tanked, the new regional manager backed off and let us go back to the old ways we were running the store. Its shitty but if you store starts to do worse they generally will back off

sh3nan1gans_ 1 points 1y ago

I always keep my water close

Smallfemdom 1 points 1y ago

OR USING THE RESTROOM?

[deleted] 1 points 1y ago

[removed]

aint_that_right -13 points 1y ago

Yeah it’s called planting, not allowed to leave no matter what during peak. My entire district is very heavily focused on it - you are allowed to grab a cup and drink water on the floor and then throw the cup away in lieu of going to the back!

silver_fang123 [OP] 10 points 1y ago

If she catches me drinking anything on the floor I feel like she’d yell at me even more 💀

aint_that_right 3 points 1y ago

I’d maybe ask if that’d be okay since we all need to keep hydrated! Hopefully she says it’s okay because if not she’s a real POS.

iiiimagery 5 points 1y ago

You shouldn't really be drinking or eating where you prep food and drinks 😟

canidieyet_ 3 points 1y ago

planted or not you’re allowed to get water. if OP didn’t have any drinks, why is it a problem for them to take a 10 second water break?

aint_that_right 0 points 1y ago

Are… are you guys downvoting me for answering the question? I’m not agreeing with it, I’m saying it’s the same here.

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