I am a department manager. I was told that I need to get a smart phone and a better cell plan. For background, I have a killer deal with a cell provider that provides the basic phone functions I need (Emergency phone service) and am very happy with my "dumb Phone" and the service I get. I have a home phone and when I leave the house I forward the calls to my cell. Simple system and works very well for me - I have never missed a personal call yet. When I leave the house I like to unplug from electronics. I don't need to surf the web nor do I need to have "Text" communications with people when a phone call says everything faster and with better understanding - Know what I mean? I leave my computers at home - LOL!
I was told that I must have a smart phone and a way better service plan than I have now.
Here is my question(s) - If a Co-Manager is requiring me to have a smart phone, shouldn't Kroger be providing me with one because this seems to be some sort of job requirement?
Can Kroger demand that I get a upgraded phone/service plan?
How much are y'all contacted during your workday via your cell phone and after hours?
Is there any official documentation about an employee (or Department Manager - Backup - etal..) being required to be plugged in with a cell phone for work communication? I understand that there should be a good contact phone number in my employee profile, but... Smartphone? - Nah!
I'm a dept manager as well I rarely get contacted on or off hours by management, but I do text my asst if I forgot something or need them to do something
Think of it this way, "Off the clock out the door, until I return tomorrow". There is no policy about anyone having a phone, except for District/KMA/Corp Level associates, which are given a cell phone stipend. This is the problem with all Mgmt, they think Department Manager are expected to be on call 24/7. Technically, there isn't any requirement to have any phone/email or other communication devise after being hired. If I remember correctly, even providing your cell phone number for "Kroger Associates Alerts" is voluntary because the company is not providing funding for the data that might be used. I'm guessing your hourly? Union? If your want to get technically, ask how your going to get reimbursed for the required expense and how your going to be clock in when your responding to take a call. Co-Managers are not even required to have a cell phone, it just easier to communicate 24/7.
Getting simple text or question is kinda the normal, but something that isn't required. Its better to answer the question/resolve the situations now, rather then walking into a **** show tomorrow.
-- Edited by EUID_Unknown on Thursday 29th of March 2018 09:26:52 PM
Yammer is a great tool, but its being taken over by stupid stuff. If you make a AWESOME display or "Feeding the human spirit" Yodel it on Yammer. But, I can case less your put out the DVD shipper...and that is considered going for sales.....its not...its called doing basics.
Kroger: you need a better cellular plan with a smart phone
Associate: why? Will kroger pay for this plan AND the phone?
Kroger: first answer ...because. Second answer, No. You'll be paying for the phone and plan
Associate: then nope. Not gonna happen
Kroger: ......!!
Despite what Kroger thinks, our jobs do not require us to be reachable 24/7. Now if we worked for the fire department, the police department, a hospital, the military, the government, or some other job that was critical, then I could see having to be available at all times. Nothing is so important at Kroger that it can't wait or somebody else can't do it.
I agree. I've missed NUMEROUS calls when on vacation. Came back and they acted as if I spat on their grandmother on her deathbed and then at her funeral. I mean, not that I care that you are pissed off, but why though?
Thanks for the input all - I feel my first instincts are correct and will basically tell the co-manager Kroger needs to pay up for the phone and cell plan or I am sticking with what I have now.
Thanks for the input all - I feel my first instincts are correct and will basically tell the co-manager Kroger needs to pay up for the phone and cell plan or I am sticking with what I have now.
Y'all are great!
I wouldn't even do that. As stated above, it is not critical for Kroger to be able to reach you. Even if the entire department called out sick, the work would still be there tomorrow. If Kroger did agree to pay for your cellphone plan, then they would expect you to drop whatever you're doing at a moment's notice whenever they called. As a department manager, you are still a union employee who gets paid by the hour. That means when you punch out for the day, you don't do anything that has to do with your job. If it's really important, they can always leave a message. Whether you choose to repond to it is up to you. Keep in mind though if you jump too many times, they're going to expect you to jump every time.
A couple weeks ago on the first Saturday i had had off in months, our closer called off and there was no one to replace her. My store manager tried calling me and I didn't see it. I guess he was complaining all night that I needed to always have my phone on. I'm just a dept head, he doesn't own me.
Haha, the store have changed so much its funny. Back in the day when I first started, you basically lived Kroger and the culture was a funny and supportive culture, where you were encouraged to own your department and take ownership. Now your expected to simple follow the instructions on the daily list, work with half the staff, no OT, no input and work with unmotivated associates. Unless some people really open their eyes department heads will continue to step down and Clicklist will be really fully staffed.
I know what you mean. I want to take ownership of my department. I want it to look full at all times and actually be something to be proud of. But how can I? I have no help whatsoever, we're running on 3 people plus a newbie who shows up whenever she feels like it, and even when she does, can't do one simple task in 8 hours. I can complain until i'm blue in the face and nothing changes. Even some members of management can see this and really can't change it.
Today I was the only one scheduled and left at 12:30 feeling like nothing got accomplished and that all the preparing for the store walk was pointless when it all went to sh*t in a matter of a couple days. When conditions make the department head this unaccomplished how in the world are we ever going to get newcomers to care?
I have never heard of this happening. Unless Kroger is going to pay for your phone, keep the one you have. You are contactable on the phone you have now. The *kind* of phone you have does not matter. Under what circumstances would YOUR manager contact you on your off hours or when you are at home ON YOUR OWN TIME?
Are managers allowed to join the Union? I was told they were not-but if you are a member, contact your shop steward right away. I agree with what someone previously wrote-if you jump now they will expect you to do it again.....don't do it
Department heads are not salary, we are still hourly associates, which makes us able to be members of the union. Department heads are not "management" in the same way as comanagers.
