Behind the Scenes at Apple, Gap, and Starbucks

Definition of Minority....

I am a minority employee, working for Starbuck's. I am not not a minority because I am a Native North American, Asian, Black American or Latino, nor am I a male. I am a White female with a physical disability.

Four years ago, a serious illness ended a productive career in sales and business management, leaving me with some disabilities. Since then, I feel I have been continually discriminated. Although, I am now supposedly part of a "Protected class", countless companies turned me away for employment. They could only see my disability, instead of recognizing my extensive experience and intelligence.

I had always heard that Starbuck's treats their employees well, and now, I know this for a fact. Although the work is fairly physically demanding, Starbuck's was able to see beyond my disabilities and recognized my positive attributes. To accommodate my disabilities, Starbuck's has allowed me to work shorter shifts, keeping my pain minimized. My fellow "Partners" assist in analyzing different tasks, finding ways for me to accomplish them more easily. I find the customers to be pleasant, patient and kind.

I hold Starbuck's, my fellow "Partners" and Starbuck's patrons, in the highest regard. I love my job and I can't imagine working for a better company!

Julie of IA @ Feb 19, 2008 23:35:09 PM

I really found that after I started working at the Gap I was much nicer to sales people. I was also neater when shopping...having much more respect for the tables of neatly folded clothing! But I the same time I also remember the services that I was trained to offer and expect to be offered them if needed when I was the shopper.

The hardest sales experience I ever had was when I was working in Neiman Marcus. I was just a temporary Christmas employee...and a full time college student....but I was expected to bend over backwards! To do that job, I had to be well dressed, well spoken and extensively trained. Yet despite this customers assumed that they could treat me, and my co workers, like dirt!

It seems that the more expensive the store, the worse customer relations are...it would be interesting to see a study on that!

S of NY @ Feb 19, 2008 22:37:28 PM

Gap, Inc. employee

I currently work at Old Navy and I definitely agree with his view about changing your habits as a consumer. I know the employees of Old Navy don't have a reputation of being the friendliest, but I like to think I am helpful and offer good customer service. I can tell you that I have a lot more stories about rude customers than I do about nice ones! I've also worked in a sub shop and I do appreciate how much work we put into keeping everything clean and sanitary!

As for Brian's comment: I am of Asian/Pacific Islander descent and haven't really noticed any difference in my experiences with customers. My skin is a little darker, so I guess most people assume I'm hispanic and I get approached by Spanish speakers all the time. That's the only real difference I can see.

Ashley of TX @ Feb 19, 2008 21:29:24 PM

Not true!

Hah...everyone loves their UPS driver?

Ours comes while we're at work. Every time.

Plus he almost hit me when I was crossing the street. I pretty much hate him.

Ash of MA @ Feb 19, 2008 18:26:21 PM

Fedex

I find UPS to be overpriced and their employees difficult. The UPS desk employee at the local UPS depot is downright arrogant and unpleasant to even talk to. The UPS delivery man makes my life complicated and I spend many days running down to the UPS depot to get my packages. They also have very limited hours so it makes it hard to get there on time. On the other hand, Fedex is generally easier to get to, have longer hours open so I can get my packages later in the evening. I have to confess, the local Fedex delivery guy is cute and very, very nice. I am always happy to see him and get my packages. I tend to specify Fedex 2nd economy when I'm ordering and avoid UPS whenever I can. I try to be very nice and cheerful with the delivery people for it gets better service.

of @ Feb 19, 2008 18:06:35 PM

Why not FedEx?

So everyone loves their UPS delivery person?

Why didn't you try being the FedEx delivery person?

Everyone loves their FedEx delivery person, too, and they wear more appealing uniforms!

Jean of TN @ Feb 19, 2008 16:53:54 PM

This article made me think of the odd jobs I held out of high school. It's also reminiscent of the Nickel and Dimed book.

Brooke of NC @ Jan 17, 2008 04:48:23 AM

That's an interesting question, Brian. Perhaps readers could share their thoughts on that.

Kimberly Palmer of DC @ Jan 16, 2008 10:05:46 AM