We had a conference call and the message was clear, covid is over as far as Kroger is concerned. We're still wearing masks, still getting temperature checks but all the covid-related hours are gone and won't be back. We're just supposed to "move on" and "go back to normal." Forget the cleaning, those hours are gone. They do claim we have hours to wander the parking lot picking up litter so we can be cleaner than any retailer in the universe.
They are back to pounding metrics with field specialists and champions while making things harder. The attitudes of customers are awful. They are mad about their lives and taking it out on us. Kroger thinks we should just take it.
I wonder if there's been increase in associate accidents, particularly away from work, as we get burned out and just go through the motions of our lives.
Covid IS NOT over until the GOVERNMENT says it's over and we see s MAJOR decline in covid cases and deaths. Our store is still abiding by cleaning procedures and sanitizing EVEN THOUGH corporate says we are "in the clear."
As for customers having a bad time and taking it out on us, and them going batsh*t angry when we refuse to tolerate it, that is normal.
But management says "99/100 they are not mad at us...they just want to vent and unfortunately we are the ones they vent to. It's not our fault...however, if we snap back and get snarly back at them, then in their eyes, it becomes our fault." I guess he means, 'just take it and try not to snap back.'
Varies by region, but no. Assume the worst and don't be careless. The rulers in the ivory tower have nothing to say about what is needed, understanding that you might want to not be working there to avoid retaliation for not putting people at risk. The k wants us to think they can do anything they want to us but don't want to get caught.
Were back to bagging for those with reusable bags. They say just wash hands between customers. Or use the sanitizer that smells noxious. Or wear gloves which actually promotes cross contamination.
If Covid is over, then you guys better get your flu shot because I have a feeling that when the season hits, there are gonna be a lot more problems than what's being reported today...
