are your employees okay? (are you sure)

The cashier who wished to be dead really set the mood.

My husband and I were on our way to see the new Beetlejuice movie and had time to kill. (No pun intended this time.) I needed new pants, so we did a little pre-show shopping.

When I went to pay for my jeans, the woman behind the counter seemed rather annoyed that I was interrupting her folding marathon to make a purchase. But I didn’t take it personally. 

Sensing she could use some human connection, I asked, “How’s your day going?”

Without even looking up, she mumbled, “I’d rather be in a casket right now if that answers your question.”

For a minute, I wondered if I was in some sort of immersive experience where the city had been staged by actresses pretending to be Lydia Deetz in anticipation of the theatrical release of Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. 

But I’m pretty sure this woman just hates her job. 

Jason and I headed off to the theatre, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that cashier... 

🫣What would her boss think of that exchange? 

😰Did her manager know she was having a tough time because her husband recently had surgery, putting a bunch of extra responsibility on her, and she was going to have to go home late and make supper for everyone, including her cats?

😵Was her employer aware that she was tired and hungry and telling customers that she’d rather be dead than waiting on them?

🥺Was she going to be okay?

Do you know what’s going on with YOUR employees right now?

Are they walking around giving Lydia Deetz vibes, wishing they were dead? If so, I can promise you that’s showing up in your brand, your customer service, and ultimately, your bottom line.

Your brand isn’t only about the way you look and sound as a company. It literally starts with your people. 

If your employees feel disconnected, burned out, or depressed to be at work, it’s going to show up in the way they interact with your clients. 

Sure, that cashier could have been having an off day, but it left a pretty negative impression, knowing she would rather be dead than ringing in a pair of jeans.

Check in with your team.

Make sure they’re feeling supported. 

Maybe ask about their cats. 

When I work with a brand, I interview customers AND employees to get a real sense of how they feel about the company they're working for—what they love about their jobs and what they don’t. 

You could hire me to do this for you (I have a couple of openings in November), or you could do it yourself right now by asking your team this simple question: 

Are you happy to be alive and working here?

If the answer is no, you probably should investigate that. I'm here to help!

(And in case you’re wondering, the movie wasn’t nearly as memorable as my shopping experience. Also, the movie snacks cost more than my jeans.)