If it’s making people uncomfortable or affecting the work environment, you can absolutely report it. If you’re just trying to get people in trouble or just speculating, I would stay out of it

If the person is of a reasonable age and consenting there’s no reason to get involved unless it’s effecting work.

Edit: 100% against the rules but like if they’re happy and like I said not effecting the work environment you shouldn’t try to get people in trouble.

If they're happy. Of age. And it's not affecting work just let them be. You could potentially make someone lose their source of income because they got a fling going on that's not hurting anyone.

I’d report it, that’s weird. It’s unethical for a store manager to be flirting with one of their employees.

idk what’s wrong with people calling you jealous. that’s just ridiculous

… so I will 100% be the first to admit that age gaps when someone is a teenager (and ik the “but legally adult” crowd will come to tell on themselves) and the other person is literally 10+ years older is odd to me. And, in my experience, a relationship between a manager and a subordinate is never permitted bcos of an inherent power imbalance and it being a legal issue too (calling y’all’s attention to the Ned Fulmer of the Try Guys situation literally going on right now, where both are “consenting” adults and it’s still not permitted).

I would say just to watch out. Obviously, based on these comments, people will sooner come at you for not “minding your business” before they’ll turn their attention to the manager crossing boundaries. Within your wellness and safety, watch out for the barista seeming to be uncomfortable, unwilling, or anxious. But make sure you put yourself first when necessary. Worst comes to worst, you could maybe submit an anonymous concern.

I love that no one cares about things here in the comments lol That's creepy that a 30 y/o was dating a 19 y/o and is now flirting with a new younger partner. Just cause it can be consensual doesn't make it right. It also clearly makes you uncomfortable. I'd say something since this can easily turn into bias/favoritism and again, makes people feel uncomfortable in the work environment.

As a self retired ASM that lived by “perception is reality and don’t shit where you eat” I would take it to higher power. Any semblance of favoritism deteriorates the already low morale, and discourages partners from coming forward with their concerns regarding said partner, so yes take your concerns to your DM

Does the barista seem uncomfortable? Have you asked her? If not just mind your business especially if it’s not affecting YOU.

If you do report it, HR is not supposed to be able to let the manager know who reported it. Nor is your SM allowed to retaliate against you (whether by reducing your hours or other means.) Your instincts I think are right in this scenario. What happens when an initially-fine relationship sours? What if she appears to be flirting back as a defense response because she's afraid to say no, whether from difference of age, rank, or just having been taught that saying no is rude? There're too many confounding factors, even in the scenario that this is a healthy relationship (just one of many alternatives; there are many unknowns here) and in general the people who are trained to deal with this (ie, HR) should be the ones doing so.

I would do it. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve called HR on a manager.

theres zero way it can be consensual when theres such a big power dynamic. if she were to refuse him then what.

Just a reminder that HR is for the company’s protection and not yours, so be sure to have evidence and how it’s affecting things. It could backfire.

First off, if you’re not fully sure that there is something going on, you shouldn’t speculate until there’s proof.

Secondly to the commenters, it’s a conflict of interest whether or not it’s affecting the environment. How do you know if the manager is giving more hours to that person of interest, or letting more call-outs slide? If the person you’re dating controls your schedule, hourly punches, and employment/positional status, it’s unethical for all people involved in the business. Really, that manager sounds unprofessional and should find a solution for this to protect themselves and their job. I know fresh, young managers who have gotten fired within months of promotion for pursuing relationships with their employees. Even if OP doesn’t report them, the likelihood another partner will is pretty high. Too many witnesses, instant repercussions. It’s very risky.

Everyone here is saying that power-imbalanced relationships aren’t a big deal in the workplace should know that there are workarounds to dating someone positionally under you. Finding a store to transfer the barista to would be the easiest solution.

After I read the title and before I read the body I immediately said yes. If you think you need to call, call.

The only issue I see is the scheduling. It's not fair to everyone else. If it continues I'd report it .

Call ethics

Do it!

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As long as the barista isn’t uncomfortable with the flirting ie it’s mutual, and the SM isn’t consistently offering this barista preferential treatment I wouldn’t get involved. Harmless flirting if that’s all it is isn’t hurting anyone

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