Retail Workers Talk About Their Favorite Techniques For Passing Time When Working

Working in retail can sometimes be so boring that you almost wish for some jerk to enter, just to rattle you up. Seriously, there is a lot of time without anything to do between the rush hours. Employees have to get very creative in finding ways to make the time go by faster. I believe that one of the rules is: do not look at your watch.

But everything else is up to each person’s preferences. Retail workers shared their best methods on AskReddit, and we have selected some of the most interesting. We know you will find them intriguing, especially if you are a psychiatrist…

1. Easy does it.

“When I worked retail, I used to go out and sloooowwwwly gather the carts.”

Coping Mechanisms in Retail

Retail work can often lead to boredom, which may trigger maladaptive coping strategies, like excessive daydreaming or distraction. Research indicates that boredom can diminish job satisfaction and lead to decreased productivity (Fisher, 1993). As a result, employees often engage in creative activities to break the monotony, such as juggling or learning new skills. These activities not only alleviate boredom but also improve mood and well-being, according to studies on the benefits of play and creativity in the workplace (Bakker & Demerouti, 2008).

2. Fold away....

“Folding.

I got so good at folding (without a board) that I would spend hours perfecting stacks of shirts.

Also, dusting, organizing, and cleaning things that people never see. As long as I had decent music, it could really help the shift go by fast.

But if anyone told me to clean, I would get annoyed. LOL.”

3. Always carry a broom...

“I had a friend who worked at Walmart in college, and he was convinced that an employee who “looked” like they were working was invisible to the management staff.

So he took a big broom and walked around the same set of aisles for an entire 8-hour shift, doing nothing else to see if they would notice.

The same manager walked by him 22 times and never said a word to him.”

4. Just imagine....

“Chatting with co-workers mostly, and imagining a different reality in my head.”

5. Nice game

“I work as a grocery cashier, and it gets boring fast scanning items and standing for hours, and time goes by VERY slowly.

I play a game with myself where I look for/count one specific thing, like bad tattoos, so every 10 people I see who I consider to have a bad tattoo, I check the clock.

Every 20 people who come in with their dog in a stroller (very common in my store), I check the clock, etc.”

6. Sad game

“I used to draw sad clowns on the back of receipt paper.

The sadder, the better.”

7. Don’t you dare…

“Do NOT look at the time. Big mistake.”

8. Books save sanity....

“I worked at Party City for 4 years and would not have been able to do it without Bluetooth headphones!!!

My hair goes past my ears, so I’d put one headphone in one ear and hide it with my hair, then have the other ear free if people needed me!

Podcasts and audiobooks saved my sanity.”

9. Interesting customer stories...

“I know this seems crazy, but actually talking to customers can be pretty incredible.

So many people are starved for human interaction, and everyone has an interesting story.”

10. Audiobooks...

“We have work phones with optional earpieces (the transparent secret-service coiled earpieces).

I just plug that into my phone and listen to audiobooks. Four hours of listening so far today, three books finished so far this year.”

11. Amazing.

“I worked as an overnight stocker for two years. During that time, I thought up and worked out a story idea in my head.

When I got an office job that I needed to fill time at, I wrote that story over three years of extra free time. I finished the first draft last year and have been taking a break from it while working on a new story.”

12. Dangerous mind…

“I made spreadsheets; I cataloged my co-workers' bathroom breaks, coffee breaks, and how often they swore. I sometimes gave them stickers rewarding them for “swearing less than last month” and wouldn’t tell them what it was for, so they just got stickers.”

13. Ok.....

“The boss makes a dollar; I make a dime.

That’s why I poop on company time.”

14. Find the bear…

“When I worked retail, before smartphones existed, we played hide the bear.

We had small dollhouse-sized teddy bears that were random colors. One person would clean and pull the stock forward on the shelves and hide the bear.

Then they would swap out with the cashier after chatting for a bit and let the cashier hunt down the bear.

Rinse and repeat.”

15. That is nice....

“When I worked at Verizon, I taught myself how to juggle.”

Coping Strategies in Retail Work

Retail environments can be incredibly challenging, often leading employees to develop unique coping strategies to manage stress. Creative outlets like juggling or other small tricks can serve as valuable tools for maintaining morale amidst the chaos of customer interactions.

Research from the American Psychological Association highlights the importance of humor in stress relief, suggesting that it can mitigate feelings of burnout and enhance overall job satisfaction.

Moreover, workplace camaraderie can significantly influence employees' coping mechanisms. Positive relationships with coworkers can create a supportive atmosphere that buffers against the stress of demanding customers.

Studies indicate that fostering a sense of community within the workplace can improve morale and reduce turnover rates. Employers should actively promote team-building activities to strengthen these connections.

Psychological Analysis

This behavior reflects a natural response to the challenges faced in retail environments. It's essential for employers to recognize the value of these coping strategies and provide resources that encourage healthy outlets for stress management.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

The strategies retail workers employ to cope with stress reveal the necessity of a supportive workplace culture. By encouraging creativity and fostering positive relationships among employees, businesses can enhance job satisfaction and reduce stress-related burnout.

Investing in team-building initiatives can lead to a more resilient workforce, ultimately benefiting both employees and customers.

According to research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, small, enjoyable tasks can serve as effective breaks, enhancing overall job performance. Engaging in these activities can create a sense of autonomy, which is crucial for motivation. Employers can support this by incorporating short breaks for skill-building or team-building exercises into the workday. This not only combats boredom but also fosters camaraderie and team spirit, contributing to a more positive work environment (Ryan & Deci, 2000).

Therapeutic Insights & Recovery

Understanding the psychological aspects of boredom in retail work highlights the importance of engagement and creativity in job satisfaction. Studies show that when employees are allowed to pursue enjoyable tasks, their overall productivity and morale improve significantly. As discussed in research by the American Psychological Association, fostering environments that encourage playfulness can lead to increased resilience and job satisfaction. Ultimately, implementing structured opportunities for creativity and skill development can transform the monotonous aspects of retail work into fulfilling experiences.