What to do now?

[nicshred]

Need some opinions on this one....the shop I work out of pays hourly. Last week I worked alone since the other groomer went on vacation. Ok, so I thought it should be ok....until I saw that each day 10 dogs were scheduled some of which the owner stays, others wanted them done within a certain time limit(yep the owner of the shop permits this from clients) Also each dog was a full groom way over due most have not been done in months...

That week I did the best I could ,did get all the dogs out with appologeez to the owners , explaining I was here alone and for some reason their was a miscommunication and a few to many were scheduled. Most were understanding.

Now the problem, even though I brought in a good chunk of change to the business,busted my butt to get the dogs done completely.....I recieved nothing in the way of a thank you from the business owner.....Oh now I did get an extra $2.00 yes that is right two whole dollars as a bonus for the extra work I did./ I am thinking it is time to look for another shop......

Any suggestions. or ideas on this folks? Many here own their own shops what would you have done for your employees.

I feel like that whole two dollars was more of a slap in the face rather than anything else.

Trish

[diamienono]

That is a tough one. what about the slow days? Are there any, or is your place always busy. If you have slow days, it all works out in the end.

[azoci]

Well, it sounds like it's time to look for other options and see what is out there.

[nicshred]

If there is a slow day....say only a few dogs then I dont go in. Will say every day I work I exceed my hourly pay/ as compared to if I was commission. Which often isnt that huge of a difference. But ... during that week, I was bringing in same amout as two groomers did, which would of been okay IF THEY WOULD OF AT LEAST had a simple Thank you ...never even got that.

And yes I do the cleaning, make shampoo, explain to all which shampoo would be best for each dog/ others in the shop dont even know how to give a "Neem" treatment...good heavens how difficult is that.....maybe I am just being critical but being left with no help, was irritating.

I completely understand that it works out usually, though after 9 hrs non stop then having to completely clean,disenfect and do all the side work I was exhasted each day. A kind word would of been nice.

Guess I will just keep on keeping on.

Trish

[baddog]

You were paid for each hour you worked, correct?? I don't understand your gripe. Just because you weren't on easy street this week you suddenly hold a grudge against your boss, why should you need "thank you's" for doing what you're paid to do?? I expect 10 dogs per day from each of my groomers, I still don't get your problem. Perhaps you should talk about going on a commision basis, other than that , you took the job knowing the terms of employment, it seems unprofessional to complain after the fact.

[nicshred]

cant say it was easy street....lol...anyhow yep got them dollars per hour,so will just do what I do.

Acutally often have done 10 dogs daily, and more. Of course they are usually in much better condition. These dogs were over due.

Oh well, will just explain to owner that I am only available on the days I was originially hired to work .

End of problem.
Thanks for all the input.
Trish

[JJk]

I had the same, and b/c I didn't (still don't) smoke, I had to cover others' "necessary" smoke breaks when myself couldn't have my break time. Later I realized the other gals were only make appointments on the days they didn't work, or wrote down the dogs were booking for a particular groomer so they didn't have to do anything but got pay. One day I was working with this Ms. Smarty, there were only 6 dogs for two of us. and 4 of them were booking for me. I asked the owners how did they know me and they told me they didn't ask for any special one to groom the dogs. ??? So, I had four and she had two, guess what, one of her two dogs was a no show plus no phone# for trace on the app. book. Ms. Smarty did her one dog for her 8 hrs pay, then decided since she was done, she went to her Van to take a nap. I stayed in the shop, did my four dogs, answered phones, did casher. But she was nice enough only booked me four, I guess.

[keachy18]

dont blame u one bit

I would have been kinda upset too actually!!! That 2 bucks bonus. That was kinda rude. I woulda rather got no bonus I think and just a simple thank you. That is like leaving a 2 cent tip at a restaurant, IMO. Just rude. I just wish more employers appreciated their help more is all. I mean if ur supposed to be a team, then teammates thank each other and encourage each other right? Give constructive criticism yes. But it sounds like u did a great job, and if I were an employer, then I would have at least thanked you. Even if it is still "ur job, to be expected of you" so what? Giving praise is something an employer should do. Especially when that employee is making them money and doing their job and doing it well. Just cuz its expected, doesnt mean u shouldnt be thanked for it. And that 2 dollar bonus is just rude.

[Pixie]

My thoughts exactly keachy18. I would rather not had the $2.00 bonus. More like a slap in the face. It wouldn't have hurt the employer just to say something nice or said good job, made it through, something just to acknowledge the work week was a little more than a normal one for one groomer.

The last shop I worked in I must say the boss was very appriecative. It seemed like every day that I left work she would always say I did a good job, dogs looked nice, thanks for working for us, something nice all the time. I don't think I have ever worked in a place where the employer ever said anything good to you, always told you what you were doing wrong. It wasn't that way in that shop. It was a nice place to work.

[Helly]

A two cent tip is waitress-speak for "You did a really ****** job", so yeah, a whopping $2 bonus would probably set my teeth on edge too.

Good management skills include knowing when to thank an employee for a job well done. It's not only good business, it's common courtesy. Employee's are human beings. A little pat on the head once in a while can keep them from becoming surly and dissatisfied with the entire job. I couldn't work for someone who doesn't have enough sense to say "Thanks for pitching and getting it done." once in a while.

[rapuzzled]

Helly you are so right. I appreciate it so much when my boss notices a job well done. It just makes me want to work even harder! Not sure I would want to work for someone that never told you when you were doing well!

[SuziJ]

I hate to say it, But everyone needs a little positive reinforcement and acknowldegment when they do good and bust their butt!
Even if your Job description says you must groom X number of dogs a day.

Holy Cow, My Husband is the King of positive reinforcment seeking! going to the point of saying "Hey Baby Look I washed the dishes! or vaccumed or washed the laundry". I would more then likey be divorced if I didnt acknowledge what he did.

To JJK, Good for you not smoking! But not all of us smokers are like that! ( that is what they make nicotine gum for!!! )

I hope if I ever cross paths (in the furture), to perchance seek employment or co- workership with anyone here, that you give the individual the chance and not hold what has happened in the past to you, against me.

[eli]

nicshred

After sending a notice of resignation to a client, I recently discovered something about myself. I'm no longer embarassed to say I like to be financially rewarded!

Thanks are always nice.
I cater to clients who are generous enough to tip.

I now look at it like this- I perform a service. Clients pay me.
Clients who tip me are saying I appreciate you above & beyond your service.

Sounds like to me nicshred, you should starting looking for greener pastures. It took too long a time for me to see what I really want. I think you are already on your way.

Erica

[plushpuppy]

You were paid for each hour you worked, correct?? I don't understand your gripe. Just because you weren't on easy street this week you suddenly hold a grudge against your boss, why should you need "thank you's" for doing what you're paid to do?? I expect 10 dogs per day from each of my groomers, I still don't get your problem. Perhaps you should talk about going on a commision basis, other than that , you took the job knowing the terms of employment, it seems unprofessional to complain after the fact.

A nice Thanks for the hard work would be nice. regardless of the fact that she was paid hourly she still went beyond the norm to cover the groomers that were out. As a prior manager I know that the best way to loose employees is to not give them a pat on the back on occasion. It's what makes the good employees stay around to be loyal to the good managers.....