Title: The Dilemma of Extended Breaks in Retail: Finding the Balance
As the owner of a sizable liquor store, I’ve had the pleasure of employing a dedicated individual for around three years. While his experience is invaluable, I’ve noticed a concerning trend that’s prompting me to evaluate our break policy.
During his 8-hour shifts, this employee frequently takes extended smoke breaks, averaging around 45 to 50 minutes each shift. He steps outside for a cigarette approximately every 1.5 hours, along with taking additional 5 to 10-minute bathroom breaks, which I’m not even counting towards his official break time.
As one can imagine, this has raised some red flags for me. In a retail environment, particularly in a store of our size, we typically schedule two cashiers and one to two stockers per shift. However, with his frequent departures, I often feel like I’m operating with fewer staff members. Consequently, I’ve had to bring in extra personnel to ensure coverage, affecting overall productivity and efficiency.
I certainly value his long-standing loyalty, but I can’t help but wonder if this level of break-taking is common in retail settings. My aim is to strike a fair balance—is this behavior within the norm, or does it require a conversation?
To reinforce consistent standards, we do have a quarterly bonus system in place. Employees can earn $1 per hour worked, granted they adhere to all store rules, including timely attendance, limited break times (no more than 30 minutes of break for every 8-hour shift), and maintaining a clean record devoid of any write-ups. This initiative is designed to encourage accountability and promote a healthy work ethic among the team.
How would you approach a situation like this? Have you encountered similar challenges in your own retail experiences? Your insights would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this concern.
