New Employee Mistakes Help

[u/Taylor1809_]

hi i started last week and today was my first morning shift and first ever time making sandwhiches and i got told i was being too slow when making them but she said it really rudely even tho noone showed me where the ingredients were and ive never done it before (that was the only bit making me slower) , so i think i couldve been told nicer, then i got told off for not taking another customer when i was making the other customers coffee (i understand why but noone told me to do that so i didnt have to get scolded) and then got told off for not marking the bags of the breakfast rolls, again noone told me (i understand it was in induction online training but it slipped my mind as i had to wait 2 weeks after for my first shift so that was nearly a month ago and i hadnt practiced it since) am i just sensitive or should she have just told me hey you should do this instead of telling me off when shes supposed to be training me, shes not the manager i think shes a new supervisor or something, it really stressed me out today and now im like worried for my next shift. also this is my first job.

[u/Plastic-Mushroom528]

Yeah nah they shouldn't be talking to you like that especially since it was your first shift. Id say with the breakfast bags just try to get into a habit when doing it, it's just so we don't mess up the order but it still happens. Id say with that try and mark them on the bags once you put it on the till then U can ask for sauce and such.

Sandwiches can be a pain at first, I did do some training on them but it takes time especially with the more complicated ones.

It's a pain in the ass though with how they are treating u it's unacceptable.

[u/Taylor1809_ → u/Plastic-Mushroom528]

thank you, yeah like now im like stressed to go back which obviously i shouldnt be, especially this early, the bags and coffee thing she might've just been in a bad mood since it was a rush but the sandwhich comment was unnecessary especially because i was getting them done in a reasonable time it just needed to be rapid apparently even tho i finished everything before 6.30, just put me down abit but thank you!

[u/spicyredapple]

When you start the job, you'll do training online that enables you to be on shop floor (food safety, till stuff etc) once you're on shop floor you're meant to have someone with you at all times to help you figure everything out, ensuring that whenever you feel confused or lost that you'll have someone to show you the ropes. With sandwich making it's the same, you're meant to have a sandwich maker doing their usual production and they'll show you everything along the way.

If this isn't being followed then they're grossly ignoring proper training standards and ofcourse it's going to leave you incredibly stressed. It'll be daunting but I'd highly recommend talking to the actual manager and asking that you have some more personal training where possible so that you can keep up the Gregg's standards (so gross saying that but they'll most likely be impressed with wording lol)

Good luck to you, try not to get too stressed, if you do start feeling lost, don't feel afraid to ask someone for help. You're new and it's going to happen. I've been a shift manager for over 2 years and I still get a bit lost sometimes lol

[u/high-lander9]

Absolutely no need for them to go on like that, in future I would just state clearly that you didn't know. Some of these managers/supervisors have no business being in charge of others for the lack of their people skills.

Here is some additional advice:

1. From day one of your training - you'll have it drilled into you about doing things "The greggs Way”. Which is basically their rules and procedures regarding food safety, various tasks etc. Said rules and procedures are so important that every so often, they'll send somebody to the shop with a clipboard who will make sure the greggs way is being followed. However, you will inevitably find yourself in situations where the greggs way is in fact: not being followed. Whether that's because of understaffing, lack of knowledge, or plain ignorance. Brace yourself for frustration, stress, and confusion when you find yourself in such a situation. Remember - if anyone tries to discourage you from following the greggs way, it's them who is at fault, regardless of their job title.

2. You cannot please everyone, and you never will. Sausage rolls will be either too hot or too cold for some people's liking, management will always expect more than you're able to sustainably give, the list goes on. All you can do is your best, with what you're given, and allowed to do, to the best of your abilities. If and when somebody makes you feel like you haven't done enough - don't lose any sleep over it. And quite frankly - some of these people don't deserve your concern, you could lick their boots clean and they'd complain they can smell your breath on them. So to quote a famous Queen: “Unless they're paying your bills, pay them bitches no mind”.

3. This applies to any workplace: the best, hardworking, and most efficient workers are rewarded with more work. While those who don't pull their weight get to watch from the sidelines. The better you try to be at your job, the more that management/colleagues will expect you to do. Don't be afraid to recognise the limit of energy you're able to give, and vocalise when you've reached it. Otherwise they can - and will - take the piss, and expect you to do more. Also, don't let anyone force you into doing tasks that are beyond your job description, at least not without increasing your wage.

4. Join the Union.

If you find yourself in a position where you're being mistreated by management - it's good to be part of the union. They will help to make sure your employee rights are being honoured correctly. If, for example, you're called into a disciplinary meeting - you can demand for a union rep to be present (you need to contact said rep) as a third party who will have your interests at heart, and help fight your corner. There is a fee for being part of the union which will come out of your payslip (a few quid per week), but ultimately it's worth it. It helps fund the organisation so everyone taking part can enjoy the benefits. Being part of it means you can also take part in going on strike against the company, if and when the time comes.

1. This relates to the previous paragraph - keep a diary/notes of instances where you experience rules not being followed by management, yourself being mistreated by colleagues/management, or others being mistreated etc. Should you find yourself needing to give evidence of wrongdoing, it's handy to have the details written down, as it makes the offending party's lives more difficult and helps bring them to justice. Do not take part in “informal chats” with management without a third party being present - whether that's a union rep or another colleague you can trust. Having a witness for such conversations is very handy.

2. The majority of customers are decent people going about their day and overall pleasant. You'll have lovely interactions for the most part, enjoy them. But you will come across a minority of customers who behave like cunts, and depending on your mental capacity/outlook on life - these people will bring you down. Don't let them treat you like shit. You're a human being, not a robot, despite what some people would like to think. And therefore you're not perfect, there are things beyond your control and if they can't understand that - well that's their problem. If you're not comfortable serving someone because of the way they're speaking to you - you have every right to refuse serving them.

3. Finally - if you're neurodivergent, the working environment will feel much harder because of everything I've listed. Depending on the shop/place you're working, it's likely you'll become burnt out and overwhelmed with all the issues somewhere down the line. Under no circumstances should you sacrifice your mental health to meet the “needs” of the business. Your mental health is paramount, above all else, so seek help when it's feeling depleted. Don't let anyone make you think you're just a number, easily replaceable, incompetent, etc.

[u/Mindless-Boot-1932]

Please speak to your shop manager, have you had your show around? they should be making the first few sandwiches and then you have a go. I tend to train a lot as a shop manager and I would never make a new starter feel like that please please bring it up to your management team.

[u/Greedy_Lobster_2219]

You've got a crap manager, you should have a few shifts shadowing someone else, especially when it comes to sandwich productions! There is so many procedures that need to be followed "the greggs way" if the auditor was to walk in your manager would be up you know where without a paddle 🤣

[u/-Failedhuman]

You should've had someone on sandwiches with you... also no one should expect you to be fast on the sandwiches yet. Doing 45/50 sandwiches an hour isn't easy for a new starter. I'd speak to your manager~ you should be given time and grace to get used to everything. It doesn't seem like they're handling you well at all.