- Joined
- Aug 29, 2015
- Messages
- 79
I've been with Target for a long time, and I find myself thinking more and more about the old way we used to do things. Target from 10 years ago seemed to care about the guests a lot more, and it was definitely more fun to come to work.
For instance-- in Hardlines we used to close with at least 5 people, and the zone every night was impeccable. When one team member finished in their area, they would go help another until everyone was done. Reshop was always finished. There was a great sense of pride in the way the store looked, and since salesfloor departments had Team Leads over them, there was accountability. The store was always a pleasure to shop in, because it was neat and clean and organized. 1 + 1 was always used when calling for backup, and guests were always treated as a priority--team members were required to be polite and helpful, and engage every guest on the salesfloor. Shirts were tucked in and nametags were required, and that was enforced. For the team members, we had "team building" activities--barbecues, Family Fun Day, different contests and games and incentives. We had Reindeer Run (was that a company-wide thing, or just our district?) to ensure all stores in the district were ready for the holidays, and then Bounceback.
All it seems about now is money. Cutting hours, maximizing profit and the bottom line. Guests can barely find a team member on the floor anymore, much less expect them to be fast, fun, and friendly. Team members are pressured to finish ridiculous amounts of work during their shifts, instead of focusing on the guests. The guests have to shop around tubs, carts, and trash cages. The stores look like crap because we can't do a proper zone with the amount of people scheduled. Dress Code? Ha. And team building activities are non-existent, unless you count some cookies in the break room on occasion. Nobody looks forward to 4th Quarter anymore, because it just means more work with the same shifts.
I know ASANTS, but I feel like every Target store eventually is going to be run with an uber-crosstrained skeleton crew, and that Target is no longer going to be known for it's great team members. Does anyone else feel this way?
For instance-- in Hardlines we used to close with at least 5 people, and the zone every night was impeccable. When one team member finished in their area, they would go help another until everyone was done. Reshop was always finished. There was a great sense of pride in the way the store looked, and since salesfloor departments had Team Leads over them, there was accountability. The store was always a pleasure to shop in, because it was neat and clean and organized. 1 + 1 was always used when calling for backup, and guests were always treated as a priority--team members were required to be polite and helpful, and engage every guest on the salesfloor. Shirts were tucked in and nametags were required, and that was enforced. For the team members, we had "team building" activities--barbecues, Family Fun Day, different contests and games and incentives. We had Reindeer Run (was that a company-wide thing, or just our district?) to ensure all stores in the district were ready for the holidays, and then Bounceback.
All it seems about now is money. Cutting hours, maximizing profit and the bottom line. Guests can barely find a team member on the floor anymore, much less expect them to be fast, fun, and friendly. Team members are pressured to finish ridiculous amounts of work during their shifts, instead of focusing on the guests. The guests have to shop around tubs, carts, and trash cages. The stores look like crap because we can't do a proper zone with the amount of people scheduled. Dress Code? Ha. And team building activities are non-existent, unless you count some cookies in the break room on occasion. Nobody looks forward to 4th Quarter anymore, because it just means more work with the same shifts.
I know ASANTS, but I feel like every Target store eventually is going to be run with an uber-crosstrained skeleton crew, and that Target is no longer going to be known for it's great team members. Does anyone else feel this way?