PokeManiac16 OP t1_j66cd3x wrote
Reply to comment by IncludingPirates in A lot of people take kindness for weakness, that’s why costumer service workers get mistreated. by PokeManiac16
Yea just got cussed out over the phone trying to help a patient and I don’t feel like a winner though…
the_colonelclink t1_j67yblq wrote
We’re quite lucky in Aus then. We’ve got a zero tolerance for abuse or violence in public places. So we just simply remind them of this and that we will simply hang up if they continue it.
PotassiumPomegranate t1_j67zeo4 wrote
Most places have this. They just don’t tell you. If you look through your training materials they will have in there that you have rights to deny service based on if you feel unsafe.
I have done so, managers have tried to say I can’t, I show them the training where it says so.
You don’t ever have to let people walk all over you in the name of customer service. Hold your ground and give yourself the respect you should.
the_colonelclink t1_j6805fz wrote
Most people also aren’t fully aware that the employer is usually very responsible for staff safety etc. too; it’s literally in their best interest not to have someone potentially get exposed to situation requiring counselling/compensation etc.
PotassiumPomegranate t1_j680lcu wrote
Companies like to hedge their bets on people not knowing those rights to execute them. They also like to throw out terms like “insubordination” or “failing job duties” to scare you.
But they cannot demand you do “unlawful” requests. And if someone is harassing you, belittling you, or otherwise treating you horrible. You have the right to shut down the interaction and refuse to help them further. You can suggest they find another person to help them or your manager can.
the_colonelclink t1_j6824tt wrote
That must suck. Lucky again, as that sort of behaviour (the abuse and the dodgy business practices) is considered quite 'Un-Australian', and is usually, and quite frankly, called for what it is.
PotassiumPomegranate t1_j682dty wrote
It’s just one of the many issues our ultra capitalist country has. Companies can get away with so much shit they shouldn’t be able to. Especially where there is no sense of honor, morals, or ethics if it involves any potential profit loss.
PokeManiac16 OP t1_j67zxvm wrote
That’s interesting, I’ll have to look at the employee handbook
PotassiumPomegranate t1_j6802xt wrote
Definitely do. Companies don’t like explaining your rights to you. Even if it’s not in the training materials, you can look up workplace laws where you live. They might be included there.
The better educated you are on things, the harder it makes for them to fire you for it too. Even though the us is at will, they can’t fire you for just any reason. Otherwise you can take them to court and easily win. If it’s something about them firing you because you didn’t put your life at risk, that’s not going to go well for them.
ThePhoenixBird2022 t1_j691k3e wrote
It still happens though. I've seen adults rip in to teenagers because our shop has run out of a product that was on special. I'm not that big myself, just older, fatter and with a little grey hair. When I tell them to talk to me that way instead of to a 14yo, they shut up quick and walk away.
It's a tough time right now, people are stressed out and some don't have a healthy outlet. I guess getting through traffic during summer to go to a shop that is low on stock due to - whatever reason this week - it can be a breaking point. But threaten or swear at one of my colleagues who have been on this planet for less than half as long as you, you deal with me mate (verbally, I wouldn't know what to do if someone squared up to me but my words seem to work).
I know some would say call the boss, but usually, the shift boss is younger than me and has just a little less of an idea on how to deal with assholes than me.
the_colonelclink t1_j6a6a9w wrote
Oh yeah, it still happens. But I’ve never very seen anyone press a point past “mate I’m on minimum wage, you have to treat me as a person etc” (where forced mandates weren’t involved*).
mistermoondog t1_j68iq27 wrote
Thanks for the confirmation about this, Colonel. A verbal abuser can get hauled off to jail. Australia leads the way!
IncludingPirates t1_j66d8w8 wrote
Is it because you truly messed up or is it because you feel like this person just got to you by cussing? If you feel like you did everything right then who cares if they think you are weak for taking their abuse?
PokeManiac16 OP t1_j66er56 wrote
Nope they just answered pissed off and then took it beyond mid conversation.
YamateOniichan t1_j6859ec wrote
In this case I’m sure it’s safe to assume the grievance isn’t with getting thought of as weak for taking their abuse, it’s having to deal with it in the first place
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