'Forced joy' is alienating employees and customers

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

By Beth Kowitt / Bloomberg Opinion

Starbucks Corp. baristas have a new job requirement.

In addition to remembering to make your latte with no foam or your cortado with oat milk, they must also write a little missive on your cup. It’s a directive that comes straight from CEO Brian Niccol, who says the handwritten notes foster “moments of connection”; part of his strategy to get more customers into stores to turn around the faltering coffee giant.

In a memo he sent out in January detailing the plan, he had some ideas for those not sure what to say. They could scribble an affirmation (“you’re amazing”), share well wishes (“seize the day”) or simply write a customer’s name or draw a smiley face.

The underlying message to employees is this: It’s not enough to manufacture a product for customers; they must also manufacture a feeling. And if Niccol can’t motivate workers to do so organically, he’ll decree it by edict.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-forced-joy-is-alienating-employees-and-customers/

[rsdsharp]

1. It reminds me of my time in radio. The number one maxim was "Just be yourself,"

which was followed with “Always be positive.”

[Skittles]

9. "be yourself is the worst advice you can give most people"

yes INDEED

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Toxic positivity. Yeah, that'll work.

Fleece them with a smile!

[roscoeroscoe]

3. Remember Blockbuster?

Always some half-hearted greeting when you walked in. Sometimes, a little more than half-hearted. Eh.

Funny thing, Starbucks killed the local coffee shops that would genuinely know you.

"Here's your coffee, asshole!"

[hlthe2b]

5. Even more so now that many just order on the app, come in, see their labeled cup with name and at best grunt

a thanks (or not) as they go back out the door.

So, I'm sure that is rewarding...

[milestogo]

6. I remember AJ Soprano working at Blockbuster

and paying no attention at all to the customers.

[hlthe2b]

4. A "smiley face" won't suffice? Geebus...

My evil side would be coming up with some coded language (sort of a double entendre')--not that the customer would likely ever fully decipher, but that would let you smile to yourself knowingly throughout the day...

[Blue Owl]

7. The only thing that would bring me joy would be "FUCK TRUMP" on my coffee cup

[Igel]

8. Most people I know go to Dutch Brothers or 7 Brew.

From the 7 Brew site:

Our Story
Cultivating Kindness Since 2017

OUR SECRET SAUCE IS NOT A FLAVOR.
It’s a feeling!
TAKE A SIP OF ANY DRINK AND JOY HITS YOU JUST AS HARD AS THAT DOUBLE-SHOT OF ESPRESSO.
BECAUSE GETTING YOUR DAILY DOSE OF ENERGY ISN’T JUST ABOUT QUALITY AND SPEED. AT 7 BREW, IT’S ABOUT THE CONNECTIONS WE MAKE.
WE BELIEVE PEOPLE ARE PRICELESS, SO WE TREAT THEM LIKE IT. OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE YOUR VISIT THE HAPPIEST PART OF YOUR DAY.
ONE STOP AT 7 BREW FILLS YOU WITH SO MUCH WARMTH, YOU CAN’T HELP BUT SHARE IT WITH OTHERS.

Yes, all the capitals are theirs.

Dutch Brothers:

Because of You Since ‘92
We may sell coffee, but we’re in the relationship business. Whether we’re slinging drinks or serving up smiles, Dutch Bros is all about you!

Had to eat out last Thursday between end of regular school and start of 'night school'. Receipt had a handwritten note on it, something like "Today's great, seize the moment!" Apparently that's supposed to increase the tip. The personal touch, good will, vibes and all that.

[Old Testament Libera]

10. Nobody's going to want to work there

...or to buy coffee there. Employees who are forced to smile and ask me how my day is going irritate me.

Plus their coffee sucks.