Pros
The coworkers were a highlight diverse, approachable, and supportive once you got to know them. The team included people from a wide range of backgrounds, which made for an engaging and welcoming environment. Many colleagues were dependable and willing to help each other out, contributing to a sense of camaraderie.
Cons
Schedules were often posted at the last minute, sometimes less than 24 hours before the start of the work week, making it difficult to plan ahead. I observed communication differences in how some staff were addressed, particularly toward employees of East and South Asian backgrounds, which at times felt uncomfortable and inconsistent. Opportunities for promotion were discussed with staff who were already performing higher-level tasks, but these opportunities were not always followed through in a clear or timely way. There appeared to be limited understanding from store leadership regarding certain roles, while expectations for those roles remained high. Team dynamics within management could be challenging. At times, assistant managers were not consistently supported, and performance concerns were occasionally discussed in front of non-management staff. There were concerns about fairness and consistency in how policies were applied, including how time and breaks were handled among different employees. I experienced or observed situations where certain employees felt singled out or pressured, which contributed to a stressful work environment. Workplace cleanliness and hygiene standards were inconsistent in shared areas such as the office. High turnover among both management and staff impacted stability and continuity. During my time (nearly four years), there were multiple changes in leadership. The physical condition of the building required attention, including maintenance issues such as leaks and potential pest entry points. Staffing levels were often lean, which sometimes resulted in employees taking on multiple responsibilities beyond their role.
