We have a big problem, and I am sure this has happened to you as well. Growing up, we had to do a lot of mental mathematics. Access to the calculator was very limited. We learnt our multiplication tables and had to be able to answer questions from grown-ups, before we could go outside to play. They would test you on the spot and one wrong answer meant you had to go back to your room and study the multiplication table.
Earlier this year I stopped at a fast-food place to make a purchase. My bill was approximately $3.22. I gave the cashier $10 and decided to search for the coins in my pocket – I had 22 cents which I gave him, This was the start of pandemonium. He could not figure out how to give me back my change as a whole number. He called his Shift Manager, another young person, who himself was confused. He brought out his phone and tried to use the calculator but no luck either. I had to tell him how much my change should be, and his excuse was that the cashier had already rung me up.
A similar scenario happened weeks later at the same establishment. Anytime I go back there, I just use my card.
Now last week, I stopped at a gas station. Made a purchase and this time tendered $20 and the coins. Poor chap could not figure it out and gave me my change, less $1. I had to point out to him the error.
I raise this point because recently we had the tech blackout and I pondered what would happen if establishments had to process orders manually, how would they cope. I do not have the answers and will not try to blame the school systems, because if the opportunity is there and folk prefer not to learn, if that is the case, then who is to blame?
Generations have evolved. The younger work force has a different work ethic. I recently had a new hire at my workplace quit, because among other things, she could not work outdoors in the heat. This is Dallas. You are in the logistics sector. Before applying, did you not read the job description? Some others work when they want to. There is a Credit Union near my home that sometimes must lock its doors as they get short staffed. Some gas stations that should be 24 hours lock their doors at night as they are short staffed. And the list grows.
I do not have the solutions to these situations, but it is scary that the economic cycle of social services, to a large extent, depends on an active workforce. Social Security contributions will sustain it to some extent, but between automating the workforce and the younger generation not having the same ethics, we are in for some turbulent times ahead.
Not all young people are lacking in the work ethic handed to us by generations before us. Some are willing to learn, to work hard and to dig in for the long run. This is in contrast to some others who just want a paycheck. So, they care less about customer service and the customer experience.
Dear reader, I would like to hear from you on this topic of customer service. Do you want to share a customer service experience you had that was interesting? Email me at hibiscusplacemedia@gmail.com and put JASON’s JIVE as your subject. Please keep it short so I can print it in a future edition. Have a great month!
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