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Apathy vs. Lack of Proper Training

I, like many, worked at a grocery store in high school. First a bagger, then a cashier, then the produce department. Each job required training on how to do it. I usually spent several shifts shadowing someone, then several on my own but with supervision. This method seemed to work just fine. I see it employed places other than the grocery store.

Lately, I have been amazed at how poorly grocery bags are packed by store employees. I know that you have to adjust to the bag type, cloth or plastic these days, but I can't tell if the employees are lazy or just didn't get proper training. I even go as far as emptying my cart strategically to try to help - put all the cold stuff together, bread and eggs last so they can go on top, etc. But it doesn't seem to matter.

I think there is a fine line between apathy and lack of training, at least trying to identify which situation it is. Anyone have any great ideas for identifing and then fixing either situation?

Comments

Jamie Notter said…
Grocery stores made a clear statement about their commitment to their low level employees when they made 80% of the lanes self checkout. I am not surprised that we are seeing lack of engagement there now.
December 1, 2008 at 6:31 AM
Anonymous said…
Unfortunately these apathetic employees are the front line in creating plastic-bag waste. I bring my own bags, but watch how many items are put in a doubled plastic bag. Heartbreaking.
December 2, 2008 at 11:47 AM
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