It's bee a crazy week and weekend of playing catch up from the holidays. Running errands, meetings, sifting through resumes, etc. Since I have been so busy I have been in and out of dozens of businesses here in Sarnia, and NONE of them got me out the door fast enough than the one I am about to tell you about.
I don't want to name names in this blog, rather I want to share experiences. All you need to know is I was in a business last week that makes a portion of it's profit while you wait to pay the main bill. Sort of like "Impulse Buying" but a little more sedate.As I sat waiting for my opportunity with the associate, I couldn't help but listen to the employees as they restocked the shelves. "Oh I just can't get over this cold!" one of the ladies said. "I know," said the other "everyone here is sick today." It was at that exact moment that I became very aware of a minty smell. The smell of chewing gum on someones breath as they speak, and I never wanted to leave a place so badly. I was sure that after I was done with my transaction, I would hit the door so fast, I would leave behind a chubby cartoon outline as I smashed through the wall.
I understand that sometimes, you can't get your staff to stay home when they are ill. I am ashamed to say that sometimes I also work while I am sick. You can't always avoid it, especially when you own the business. What you CAN avoid is drawing attention to the fact that you are under the weather. You can encourage your staff to save these conversations for the lunch room, or at least out of customer earshot.
It's cold and flu season, but maybe it should be memo season as well. Tell your employees what is expected of them if they are under the weather. Make it clear that when people are sick, they are to stay home. It is considerate to both themselves, other staff members and customers. If working while ill can't be avoided, make it clear that the topic should only be discussed out of range of customers and clients.
If you need a tissue, we have an issue.
Be well.
Squeak E Cleaners/ Sharp Cleaning Services
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401
