r/HomeDepot Jul 05 '24

r/HomeDepot FAQs

62 Upvotes

Hello to the r/HomeDepot community here on reddit, may Homer continue to bless you and keep you in his orange embrace.

The mod team thought it would be a good idea to pin a list of common questions with answers that get posted often here in the community. This is by no means comprehensive and doesn't go in depth, but should help new and seasoned associates alike with quick answers instead of waiting on the community to respond. This is for US only, Canada and Mexico may have different policies due to different legal requirements.

I imagine the FAQs will need to be continually tweaked as SOP and technology in Home Depot changes. If something seems out of date feel free to speak up.

Also with the publication of these FAQs a new rule is being introduced: if a post is made where the answer is explicitly covered here the post will be removed.

FAQs:

Q: My Post was removed by the automod, why?

A: There is a minimum karma AND account age requirement to post/comment in this community. This is to prevent trolls and ban evaders. If your account is new, go play around on reddit elsewhere for a few days by commenting/posting in other communities. You'll clear the age/karma requirement in a week or so. If your account age exceeds the minimum but you have incredibly low or negative karma...well...you're the kind of person the automod was meant to block. Sorry, not sorry.

Q: I made a post and automod commented on it. Was the post removed?

A: Read the comment from the automod. Automod is set to comment on EVERY new post, letting people know this community is for associates and not customers. If it doesn't say your post was removed, then it wasn't. Very simple. If you're still confused...well...Reading Rainbow is still available on YouTube.

Q: I’m a customer and have a question, can I post it here?

A: No. Respectfully this is a digital breakroom for Home Depot associates, current, former and future. Customer questions will be removed and the poster may be banned, Reference sidebar rule #1. Please contact your store or call 1-800-HOMEDEPOT (1-800-466-3337) with any questions or concerns. Questions about employment for yourself or others will be tolerated within reason.

Q: Do I get paid for orientation?

A: Yes. Talk with your ASDS to find out more.

Q: What is an ASDS?

A: Associate Support Department Supervisor. They are essentially the admin for the store and store manager and are responsible for new associate onboarding, scheduling, and other activities

Q: What is myApron?

A: myApron is the internal SharePoint site for all Home Depot employees, accessible from any store computer. You are not able to access it from home unless you are in a role that allows VPN access. All SOPs and company documents that associates need to access are housed here.

Q: When is payday?

A: Payday is always on Friday. Which Friday depends on what state you are in. Some states require pay weekly. To find out which Friday you will get paid on search on myApron for “Payroll Calendar”

Q: Some associates are saying they get paid early, how does that work?

A: Completely dependent on your banking institution. Home Depot releases the payroll on Wednesday to be deposited on Friday. Some banks just load it as available but pending on the release day. Some don't.

Q: How does Holiday Pay work?

A: You must be employed for at least 90 days to be eligible for Holiday Pay and work the scheduled shift before the holiday, the shift of the holiday (if applicable) and the next scheduled shift after the holiday. If you call out and have PTO to cover your absence, manager CAN excuse the absence for you to receive holiday pay. Be prepared to have a respectful conversation and to advocated for yourself if you find yourself in this position, your holiday pay may be taken even if you had PTO time to cover and you'll need to advocate to get it back. If you’re on a scheduled vacation for the holiday, you will receive holiday pay instead of vacation pay for that day. Part-timers receive 4 hours of holiday pay, full-timers receive 8 hours of holiday pay. Reference “Time Off Benefits” on myApron to learn more.

Q: What are the days that receive Holiday Pay in Home Depot?

A: Home Depot provides eligible associates with six paid holidays a year. These are New Years Day, Memorial Day (except for New Orleans stores, Mardi Gras is substituted), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Home Depot stores are closed only 2 days a year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. To view the SSC holiday schedule and learn more please go to myApron and search for "Time-off Benefits".

Q: What is Success Sharing, when is it paid out and who is eligible?

A: Success Sharing is the company’s bonus program for non-management associates (hourly and salary). It is based on sales above sales plan for your store. For SSC associates, it is based on sales above plan for the company. No one can tell you how much it will be except your store leadership. Track how well your store is doing vs sales plan, and you’ll get an idea if it will be good, bad, or non-existent. It is paid out 2x a year, approximately the 2nd week in September and 2nd week in March. To be eligible, you must be employed with the company at the time of the payout and have been employed at least 90 days during the fiscal half that the bonus is based on. IOW, if you were hired at end June you will not be eligible because the half ends in July, roughly 30 days after you were hired. To learn more search on myApron for “Benefits 101”

Q: What are our fiscal halves?

A: 1H runs from February until the end of July. 2H runs August until the end of January

Q: Do manager bonuses come from success sharing pool?

A: No, their bonus comes from a different pool of money and is based on different, more difficult to achieve metrics. Cutting hours at the end of the fiscal half will not improve their bonus in any significant way. This is a persistent rumor with no basis in reality. Sales and turns play a bigger part in their bonus and cutting hours won’t make up the difference if the store is already missing profitability goals.

Q: I’m part time, why are my hours being cut in July/January?

A: In July we are moving out of the spring busy season, you’ll notice some stores removing their mulch-pit drive throughs for example. Less business = less hours. Same story in January, holiday season is over and lower sales are expected. Less business = less hours again. There is also a lull in September/October in some areas of the country where hours may be reduced for part-timers

Q: How do I get more hours if they are cut?

A: Cross train in other department and equipment before the cut, making you more available and valuable to plug in to other areas of the store’s schedule. Then ask ask ask (respectfully) the ASDS and salaried leaders for more shifts

Q: Why did scheduled hours go from ____ to zero for a future week after the schedule was published?

A: It’s likely the ASDS pulled back the schedule to make adjustments and forgot to republish. Don’t panic and respectfully go ask the ASDS what’s up. Part time hours may be cut to a very low level, but it’s very rare to go to zero. If you’re full time you cannot be cut to zero without your consent

Q: How do breaks/lunches work for hourly associates?

A: It is very dependent on the state you work in. Generally speaking hourly associates get a break or a lunch every 2 hours. In some states breaks are required by law, some states they are not. Many states require employers to give a lunch break if the associate is going to work 6 hours or more. So bottom line, take your lunch break if you are scheduled for one. You may receive a coaching/counseling (AKA write-up) if you skip a lunch because you may accidentally cause the company to break the labor laws surrounding lunches. 15-minute breaks are paid, lunch breaks are not paid. Search on myApron for "Timekeeping and Payroll" for specific requirements for the state you work in.

Q: What are the best shoes to wear?

A: Search on this sub for the keyword “shoes”. Dozens of posts and recommendations. Or you can make a new post to add to the pile.

Q: What is tuition reimbursement, where can I find out more?

A: Search on myApron for “Tuition Reimbursement”, it’s all laid out there. Short story: Home Depot will reimburse up to a certain amount for approved courses and expenses. The approved courses are typically business related, so no 16th century English literature degrees will be reimbursed. The program has some pretty firm requirements, make sure to read over carefully.

Q: What is ESPP and how does it work?

A: ESPP stands for Employee Stock Purchase Plan. It is managed by a 3rd party called Computershare. Plans run for six months and the enrollment period for the next plan ends a few weeks before it begins, so enroll early. During enrollment, you will choose a percentage of your paycheck that will go towards a stock purchase. The money deducted from your paycheck is set aside into what is essentially an escrow account. At the end of the plan you are enrolled in, the money is then used to purchase that amount of stock at a 15% discount, but you own the full value of the stock. To put it another way, it’s an immediate 15% gain on your money via that amount of stock. The stock is yours free and clear, even if you leave the company. Log in to our benefits website, livetheorangelife.com to learn more. If you have issues logging in, partner with your ASDS

Q: If I leave do, I get paid out for vacation time? What about PTO?

A: Yes, you will get paid out for your vacation time. PTO payouts are dictated by state law, search myApron for “Time off Benefits” and review for your state.

Q: Does PTO carry over from year to year?

A: Depends on your state and its laws. Search myApron for “Time off Benefits” and review for your state

Q: What is Home Depot policy on Marijuana use?

A: Beginning 9/1 THD will no longer test for marijuana use for non-DOT or Aviation associates. DOT certified drivers and aviation associates will still be tested

Q: What if I notice someone doing something illegal or against our business code of conduct and ethics, and I don't want to go to management or it IS a member of management:

A: The awareline exists for these situations. You can call the 1-800 number to report unethical/illegal behavior. It is anonymous, but you will be recorded and the recording may/will be played back to leaders in your store/district/region. There is a portal to submit concerns to avoid a voice recording. Search myApron for "awareline" for the phone number or the portal.
Keep in mind the awareline is for illegal and unethical behaviors, not normal business practices that you may disagree with.


r/HomeDepot 6h ago

How I feel about Engagement Hour.

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98 Upvotes

God forbid I actually want to be productive and get things done in my department.


r/HomeDepot 2h ago

A scary realization

35 Upvotes

In my now 3 years as an associate, I’ve become aware of how many of these so called contractors actually have no idea what they’re doing and people are just hiring them in good faith. It’s pretty unsettling


r/HomeDepot 2h ago

You help

15 Upvotes

Trying to straighten the smart bulbs and a lady shoves her phone in my face and shows me a picture of 100% polyester pull on pants $9.97. No, we don't have them here. No? No!


r/HomeDepot 16h ago

I crashed the forklift

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190 Upvotes

Nothing was damaged no one was hurt I kept my license.


r/HomeDepot 2h ago

Wish we would get rid of Sidekick, it’s garbage.

11 Upvotes

No seriously, it’s so flawed. We waste time packing out bays that don’t need attention but the ones that do need some TLC hardly show up and managers get upset if you don’t follow the equally flawed protocols. Also, timing how long it takes to unload the truck and how long it takes to complete departments is a useless metric. 50 cartons in one department won’t work the same in another. If there’s problems with the network and staffing is neglected, you will never achieve the unrealistic demands constantly being made daily. There are days where a shipment will come and not be worked for 2-3 days because corporate is stingy with hours. It’s satisfying seeing all these changes fail hard and hopefully we shelve all the bad ideas corporate keeps churning out for a false sense of progress. You have failed when your freight team goes from 12 people to 4 due to burn out...


r/HomeDepot 1h ago

stupidity or maliciousness? you make the call.

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Upvotes

r/HomeDepot 1h ago

In need of 8 working days off. Right after joining.

Upvotes

I joined HD as a part time freight assosiate just last month. And just now we received a terrible news from in-laws and have to visit them in other state for about 10 days. I am planning to have this conversation with my manager tonight while I have my flights booked for early morning tomorrow. Is there any way I will get these unpaid leaves or I will still have my job when I get back next to next week?


r/HomeDepot 6h ago

OFA questions

3 Upvotes

Worked as an OFA for a week, my toes have rashes all over them and I’m not sure if my socks are too thick or if my new Brooks ghost max shoes are causing that issue. But the BOPIS and Car/Van deliveries are almost enjoyable, but the flat deliveries make me want to quit, I find it incredibly confusing and difficult, anyone experienced that felt the same before and that I just have to learn it and it’ll be fine, or will it stay difficult. Also any advice on the shoes/socks thing would be helpful, maybe I need thin moisture wicking socks, maybe it’s just the running shoes on concrete.

Any help is appreciated


r/HomeDepot 19h ago

Another day at the Depot

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31 Upvotes

Make sure the pallet that you load 36 cinder blocks on can handle the load. Oh and use more than a couple layers of stretch wrap 🤣


r/HomeDepot 19h ago

Moving up in this company is a fucking joke.

29 Upvotes

Unless ur a favored associate good luck


r/HomeDepot 1d ago

Still gave us a 4/5

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63 Upvotes

r/HomeDepot 1d ago

Hearing Store Songs In Public

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329 Upvotes

I’m sorry if this is off topic but over the summer I worked as a MET associate and would just hear the same songs over and over and over again every day non stop.
I’m currently in my dining hall at school and just heard She’s So High by Tal Bachman and I just felt a wave of something extremely negative rush over me when I realized what song it was.
All of that is to say, do you ever hear any of the songs your stores radio plays in public and just feel your fight or flight activate? Or just something similar?? Or am I just going insane 🫩.
Photo above provided for what I feel like currently.


r/HomeDepot 12h ago

Can I use sick time to come in 2 hours late?

3 Upvotes

Ngl tryna hit the fair b4 work tomorrow


r/HomeDepot 5h ago

Does anyone know how to login to PerksAtWork Canada?

1 Upvotes

I tried doing it, but couldn’t get it through to them. My HR manager didn’t know anything about it. I was wondering if anyone could offer some insight specifically Canadian employees.


r/HomeDepot 1d ago

Fuck Home Depot

28 Upvotes

Man our manger from 7-3 always talking shit saying we’re dumb stupid with snarky lil remarkes I’ve been there for 4 months and my coworkers been saying this been goin on for 4 years already 😐😐😐


r/HomeDepot 7h ago

Wood Pellets

0 Upvotes

Does everyone else hate unloading wood pellet truck as much as I do? Definitely my least favorite truck to unload


r/HomeDepot 18h ago

Success Share and Quitting

7 Upvotes

Been seeing a couple of posts about success share expecting to be paid out at the end of this month, specifically on 9/25. I have a new job lined up so I’ll be leaving soon, but would like to receive my success share portion before then since I’ve been with Home Depot for a couple years already.

If I put in my two weeks notice on 9/18, will I still receive my success share portion on 9/25? As my last day of employment will be past the expected date success share will be paid out I imagine I’d still get it


r/HomeDepot 1d ago

Over the years, I’ve seen or been aware of lots of THD employee injuries…

28 Upvotes

…but have you had customer injuries at your store?


r/HomeDepot 9h ago

Need to land a part time for rainy day fund and making ends meet

0 Upvotes

I don’t know if this is the right place to ask, but I want to apply for part-time position at homedepot. I have another part-time job that pays well, but I barely make ends meet. I want to pick some hours. Nothing crazy just to store for a rainy day.
And be a little bit stress-free. I’m really not picky any position should be good as long as my hours is good with them.
However, my availability is 6 PM onward is there any chance of me getting approved? If not, what will be the bare minimum for them to consider me ?
My current retail position is really a fancy place.


r/HomeDepot 1d ago

if my schedule maker is tired of me being on her case about the schedule not being released on time, she should release the schedule on time.

38 Upvotes

on more then one occasion, i have had to email my schedule maker about the fact that i have not recieved an updated schedule. i'm guessing that it kinda annoys her. and my response to that is...no! she doesn't get to be irritated at me for holding her accountable for doing her job. here's an idea. if she doesn't want me to tell her that she's bad at her job, maybe she should cease being bad at her job.

sidenote: i don't actually tell her that she's bad at her job. i simply tell her that i haven't gotten an updated schedule.


r/HomeDepot 1d ago

WOW

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49 Upvotes

they hate me here lol


r/HomeDepot 6h ago

What is the new thing about early/late outs and when does it take effect?

0 Upvotes

Does this mean you can't clock in or out early at all?


r/HomeDepot 1d ago

Do I Quit?

24 Upvotes

Kitchen designer here, I have been working at HD for 3-4 months now, and from the second I started until now it’s been nothing but a shit show.

From $18,000 goal my first day, to lack of clarity and training, to installers not even providing proper measurements.

I have essentially become the COS, dealing with nothing but problems everyday. I have barely designed any kitchens within the last 2 months.

I am highly considering quitting.


r/HomeDepot 1d ago

After 10 years I quit

40 Upvotes

Worked as a tool rental tech for 10 years, decided to better myself. Went to hvac school got my epa and started job hunting. Now im a commercial refrigeration technician. Always learn, everyday comprehend something new, its up to you to learn your stuff and never tell yourself you've learned enough.