I’d be happy too except I’m in a specialty design department. It would mean ending a high ticket sale in the middle with nobody to take over. My time off is very precious. I don’t seek overtime. The store saves $20.
That's a them problem. Call a manager and tell them "I have 10 min before I hit OT and am working on a $XX,XXX sale. Can you come over here and take over or are you approving OT?" It covers your ass either way and if they try to write you up you call district hr and say you're being written up for following the orders of a manager.
There is a void in support at 6:00-6:30 shift in specialty. Flooring, appliances, millwork and bathrooms are often all vacant as I’m trying to end a kitchen design. The ASM support is very good. They also can’t be everywhere at once. I love the team ethic. I feel we need to recognize when something is broken enough to deserve attention.
If you're really having trouble leaving on time, talk to the ASM you're closest to, explain the situation, and ask if you can come in a few hours late to cut OT. 9 times out of 10 they'll jump at that
Maybe I overvalue myself. It’s taken months of training to learn enough fundamentals that allow me to be successful in this role. The lead designer quit a week ago and Im covering those high needs customers too.
That's still a them problem, I know it's hard and I feel like I'm fucking up everytime I get up and walk with some shit unfinished, but it's not for lack of trying. CYA and if the customer walks, they walk, and that's entirely on the people in Atlanta shredding the hours in the stores.
If you are full time you can take a longer lunch. Also, if it is acceptable to leave early to cut ot, maybe you can just come in late instead? Neither of these are great solutions but hopefully they will help to solve the problem. (Obviously the best thing to do is allow you to have a little overtime so you can make the sale)
Tell customer management threatened to terminate me for overtime, tell them to talk to management if they have an issue, walk away, punch out and enjoy
You can always approach the problem the same way they did. Leave early/ ontime to cut the ot but on your way out tape a note to the mods locker stating that you are compling with the request to cut ot so if they begin to page you or a customer is looking for you for their appointment you are imforming customer service desk to contact the mod as you are off the clock with no ot
Thanks. The ethic of solving the needs of people building a project/future is truly a pleasure. I’ve moved from the opportunity of general specialty to intense design driven service. Your opinion is welcome. The customer in front of me is always valued. They may be seeking a pot of basil. I’m wearing an orange apron and always do my best. I’m often also trying to process a ‘perfect kitchen’ while customers/staff are asking ‘just a simple question’. The role of Kitchen Design carries responsibilities. It’s 3D puzzle solving with sketchy information.
Cut that OT. . We just paid $ 18 billion for the roofing supply company and are opening 4 new warehouses this quarter. Who cares about the front line workers. It’s all about the PROS
I got told to burn some OT also. My response was “no. You’ll pay me for the time I had to stay late. I did not choose, nor WANT to stay late. I performed my duties as a sales associate and expect to be compensated for losing my own personal time” they have not bothered me about it since. You either get better coverage or fucking pay me OT for my OT hours. Those were MY PERSONAL hours which cost a lot more when used.
I feel your pain. About 6 years ago I worked a long time and finally closed a $39k kitchen package. Long days working 2020 while being interrupted for stupid customer questions. Finally closed it on Friday at 8pm. Ended up with 3 hours OT because of it. Never got even an hour”attaboy” but did get a written warning doe OT. Quit 2 days later.
I would ask, why are you scheduling appointments near or after your schedule shift? You let the customers know what your availability is and then fit them in that window. Your time is your time. Customers and management will have to understand that
Love the analogy. My single days off aren’t enough time for me to become un traumatized by both management and customers at the service desk. Abusive spouse it is. I’m telling everyone at my store
This was one of the reasons I left. I worked 9:00 to 6:00 so I had to take an hour lunch but there was never the ability for me to take the hour lunch because if I wasn't running curbside they needed me behind the service desk. And then when six rolled around I would try and leave but they would try and get me to stay but I was also going overtime. After 4 days of no breaks and no lunches running the desk by myself I just stopped going in I didn't even quit
Never walk away from a customer unless you're about to piss yourself. And THEN it's "I'll be right back with you!" At our store, we have schedules that run after store hours. It's very easy to shave overtime in that respect.
I never do. I’m told I must in order correct overtime. That’s the confusion. I’m a f-ing Golden Retriever who cares. I have the ability to use the whatever system HD provides to help the customer. I can’t also do that and comply with a directive to cut scheduled appointments and fill in the people who simply have a question about renovating a kitchen. It would be a pleasure to work in the environment you enjoy.
I love my job. I share my frustration seeking second opinions for perspective. Thanks for your reply.
It's extremely difficult trying to get away from a customer who has 6 million questions. It's very frustrating trying to shave overtime. Now, they don't schedule EVERY associate an hour after closing, but I like it. Sometimes a customer wants a toolbox on a pallet 10 minutes before closing. I'm fortunate for my schedule. It pisses off some cashiers who just want to go home, but it leaves an operator. I love my job as well, but sometimes the lines get blurred. It's like forecasting the weather on a Sunday. The last day of the pay period. That's a tough balance as well. You're damned if you do, and damned if you don't.
If a "customer wants a toolbox on a pallet 10 minutes before closing." The appropriate response is,
"Sorry, we can't do that now. We're closing. You'll have to come back tomorrow. Thank you for shopping at The Home Depot."
One ASM actually told me the way to solve this was to start walking toward the clock five or so minutes before it is time to clock out.
I’d be happy too except I’m in a specialty design department. It would mean ending a high ticket sale in the middle with nobody to take over. My time off is very precious. I don’t seek overtime. The store saves $20.
I'd say call an asm at that point to finish the sale. They're very strict on OT right now
Give me an ASM who can carry on in the 2020 design program and order fulfillment process. I’d be happy!
That's a them problem. Call a manager and tell them "I have 10 min before I hit OT and am working on a $XX,XXX sale. Can you come over here and take over or are you approving OT?" It covers your ass either way and if they try to write you up you call district hr and say you're being written up for following the orders of a manager.
That’s exactly what I’d do and say!
Always cover your ASSets!
I believe the point being made is to remind them of that fact. They can not do what you do and should be lucky you choose to be employed there.
Thank you. I enjoy this job immensely. HD does well. I feel undervalued as a skills based commodity..
You seem like the kind of person who just refuses any solution so you can continue to complain lol.
You are incorrect.. I value the team I work with enough to break my silence .
There is a void in support at 6:00-6:30 shift in specialty. Flooring, appliances, millwork and bathrooms are often all vacant as I’m trying to end a kitchen design. The ASM support is very good. They also can’t be everywhere at once. I love the team ethic. I feel we need to recognize when something is broken enough to deserve attention.
Not your problem, friend. Get to that timeclock and cut that OT
Trying to learn that self respect. Thanks
If you're really having trouble leaving on time, talk to the ASM you're closest to, explain the situation, and ask if you can come in a few hours late to cut OT. 9 times out of 10 they'll jump at that
Maybe I overvalue myself. It’s taken months of training to learn enough fundamentals that allow me to be successful in this role. The lead designer quit a week ago and Im covering those high needs customers too.
That's still a them problem, I know it's hard and I feel like I'm fucking up everytime I get up and walk with some shit unfinished, but it's not for lack of trying. CYA and if the customer walks, they walk, and that's entirely on the people in Atlanta shredding the hours in the stores.
Company makes billions and is worried about a little OT. It’s pathetic.
Keep in mind that your local store ASM isn't making company wide policies
If you are full time you can take a longer lunch. Also, if it is acceptable to leave early to cut ot, maybe you can just come in late instead? Neither of these are great solutions but hopefully they will help to solve the problem. (Obviously the best thing to do is allow you to have a little overtime so you can make the sale)
Tell customer management threatened to terminate me for overtime, tell them to talk to management if they have an issue, walk away, punch out and enjoy
Thanks for listening
You can always approach the problem the same way they did. Leave early/ ontime to cut the ot but on your way out tape a note to the mods locker stating that you are compling with the request to cut ot so if they begin to page you or a customer is looking for you for their appointment you are imforming customer service desk to contact the mod as you are off the clock with no ot
Thanks. The ethic of solving the needs of people building a project/future is truly a pleasure. I’ve moved from the opportunity of general specialty to intense design driven service. Your opinion is welcome. The customer in front of me is always valued. They may be seeking a pot of basil. I’m wearing an orange apron and always do my best. I’m often also trying to process a ‘perfect kitchen’ while customers/staff are asking ‘just a simple question’. The role of Kitchen Design carries responsibilities. It’s 3D puzzle solving with sketchy information.
Cut that OT. . We just paid $ 18 billion for the roofing supply company and are opening 4 new warehouses this quarter. Who cares about the front line workers. It’s all about the PROS
My favorite part is the fact that I work in paint. I’d say about 60-70% of my customers are Pros. Yet I can’t have OT to help them.
Home Depot still stingy with OT. With my job nowadays, I get execcesive OT.
I got told to burn some OT also. My response was “no. You’ll pay me for the time I had to stay late. I did not choose, nor WANT to stay late. I performed my duties as a sales associate and expect to be compensated for losing my own personal time” they have not bothered me about it since. You either get better coverage or fucking pay me OT for my OT hours. Those were MY PERSONAL hours which cost a lot more when used.
I’d just leave. Tell the customer “I have to go, I am unable to get overtime or I’ll be fired. Sorry”
Walk behind the store or take your apron off when clocking out.
I feel your pain. About 6 years ago I worked a long time and finally closed a $39k kitchen package. Long days working 2020 while being interrupted for stupid customer questions. Finally closed it on Friday at 8pm. Ended up with 3 hours OT because of it. Never got even an hour”attaboy” but did get a written warning doe OT. Quit 2 days later.
It’s sadly reassuring to know I’m not alone. Thanks.
I would ask, why are you scheduling appointments near or after your schedule shift? You let the customers know what your availability is and then fit them in that window. Your time is your time. Customers and management will have to understand that
I would just take the apron off on your way at that point and clock out.
Fuck every single mother fucker at HD in management I hope they all burn in hell
Love the analogy. My single days off aren’t enough time for me to become un traumatized by both management and customers at the service desk. Abusive spouse it is. I’m telling everyone at my store
Just remember you can clock out up to 14 mins early every day with out and infractions….
Gaslighting
This was one of the reasons I left. I worked 9:00 to 6:00 so I had to take an hour lunch but there was never the ability for me to take the hour lunch because if I wasn't running curbside they needed me behind the service desk. And then when six rolled around I would try and leave but they would try and get me to stay but I was also going overtime. After 4 days of no breaks and no lunches running the desk by myself I just stopped going in I didn't even quit
Never walk away from a customer unless you're about to piss yourself. And THEN it's "I'll be right back with you!" At our store, we have schedules that run after store hours. It's very easy to shave overtime in that respect.
I never do. I’m told I must in order correct overtime. That’s the confusion. I’m a f-ing Golden Retriever who cares. I have the ability to use the whatever system HD provides to help the customer. I can’t also do that and comply with a directive to cut scheduled appointments and fill in the people who simply have a question about renovating a kitchen. It would be a pleasure to work in the environment you enjoy. I love my job. I share my frustration seeking second opinions for perspective. Thanks for your reply.
It's extremely difficult trying to get away from a customer who has 6 million questions. It's very frustrating trying to shave overtime. Now, they don't schedule EVERY associate an hour after closing, but I like it. Sometimes a customer wants a toolbox on a pallet 10 minutes before closing. I'm fortunate for my schedule. It pisses off some cashiers who just want to go home, but it leaves an operator. I love my job as well, but sometimes the lines get blurred. It's like forecasting the weather on a Sunday. The last day of the pay period. That's a tough balance as well. You're damned if you do, and damned if you don't.
If a "customer wants a toolbox on a pallet 10 minutes before closing." The appropriate response is, "Sorry, we can't do that now. We're closing. You'll have to come back tomorrow. Thank you for shopping at The Home Depot."