Do you recall the thrill of landing your first job? That exhilarating moment when you were poised to earn your own money, perhaps saving up for a car or college, or simply wanting to fund your coffee and movie outings? The initial taste of financial independence and responsibility was a rush. However, the excitement often waned when faced with difficult customers.
I remember my own experience as a teenage waitress vividly. I mistakenly served a customer a Sprite instead of the pink lemonade he ordered. It was an honest error, but he reacted explosively, hurling insults and the drink at me in front of everyone. The humiliation was overwhelming. Fortunately, some kitchen staff intervened, and the rude customer was ejected from the restaurant. That incident was over two decades ago, yet it remains etched in my memory.
It’s disheartening how adults sometimes treat teenagers in the workplace. If your order at a fast food restaurant was incorrect, does that warrant belittling a young employee earning minimum wage? Absolutely not! Teenagers are human beings too. They make mistakes, just like everyone else. Reflect on a time when a young employee at a store went out of their way to assist you. You likely appreciated their help, and they deserve the same respect.
Just because they are young does not mean they lack intelligence. In many cases, they can provide better insights on technology or fashion than their older colleagues. If you’re looking for advice on styles or trends, don’t hesitate to ask a teenage employee; they often know what’s in vogue and can offer valuable assistance.
Encouraging teenage employees not only boosts their self-esteem but also fosters a sense of validation. Recognizing when they go above and beyond to meet customer needs is crucial, especially during such formative years when a positive self-image is essential.
With countless job openings available, even teens as young as 14 and 15 are stepping into the workforce. These early experiences shape their work ethic. If they’re treated poorly, they may develop a disdain for customer service that could affect their future career choices.
If you feel compelled to act out, it might be best to stay home. After all, many services can be delivered directly to your door nowadays, and no one needs the negativity. Everyone deserves kindness, and teenage employees especially need a little grace rather than anger or humiliation.
The next time you’re tempted to lash out at a young employee, remember your own early job experiences. Recall the importance of being treated with respect. And remember, that young worker is someone’s child, sibling, or beloved student. Would you want someone to treat your child that way? The answer is undoubtedly no.
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Summary
Teenage employees deserve respect and kindness in the workplace. Adults should remember their own experiences and treat young workers with understanding instead of disdain. Recognizing their contributions can help build their self-esteem and positive self-image, essential during their formative years.
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