Why America don't let their cashiers sit down?

[Socreta93]

I notice in many countries in Europe, I’ll use Germany for example, in the grocery stores the cashiers are sitting down in a comfortable seat as they ring up the items. But in America the cashiers are standing up. I can’t imagine standing up 8 hours a day. All check out workers in the UK sit. I feel like America is structured in a way to punish people for… reasons. Aldi lets their cashiers sit down. Aldi is a European company and in Europe cashiers are allowed to sit down and they still function like well oiled machines.

 

[Cameron143]

I notice in many countries in Europe, I’ll use Germany for example, in the grocery stores the cashiers are sitting down in a comfortable seat as they ring up the items. But in America the cashiers are standing up. I can’t imagine standing up 8 hours a day. All check out workers in the UK sit. I feel like America is structured in a way to punish people for… reasons. Aldi lets their cashiers sit down. Aldi is a European company and in Europe cashiers are allowed to sit down and they still function like well oiled machines.

Why do you think it's about punishment?

 

[CarriePie]

I used to be a cashier and worked 8+ hours a day. I did this for a few years. Just personally speaking, I'd rather be standing. I liked being mobile at my station, being able to help the customers and put their groceries in their cart.
Btw, we stood on anti-fatigue mats, which make a world of a difference!

 

[Subhumanoidal]

Americans have their own set of rules for many things in business. Not many countries do tips. Many have lower vacation standards, and some give quiet big vacation time and encourage their employees to take it. Americans get less of it offered and often feel that they don't have time to take it.
One idea I have about the cashiers is that America is all about speed. It's easier to work faster standing, than sitting. It can also be viewed as lazy in appearance.
It's just one of the standards that America adopts to fit American culture.

 

[Eli1]

This should be a good thread for me to list some topics about differences in countries or other “culture shocks”.
They always make for a fun discussion.

So, in regards to this sitting, you mentioned Germans. We have two Germans in this forum with whom we can confirm.
My first question would be: Are these people who sit East Germans or west Germans?

 

[Karlon]

I notice in many countries in Europe, I’ll use Germany for example, in the grocery stores the cashiers are sitting down in a comfortable seat as they ring up the items. But in America the cashiers are standing up. I can’t imagine standing up 8 hours a day. All check out workers in the UK sit. I feel like America is structured in a way to punish people for… reasons. Aldi lets their cashiers sit down. Aldi is a European company and in Europe cashiers are allowed to sit down and they still function like well oiled machines.

a standing posture allows you to defend easier & escape easier. plus, standing makes you pay attention more because it requires more energy. cashiers in the u.s.a. don't stand for 8 hours, they get breaks. you can equate that to this: a person standing can drink more alcohol without getting drunk easier than someone sitting down & drinking.

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

I notice in many countries in Europe, I’ll use Germany for example, in the grocery stores the cashiers are sitting down in a comfortable seat as they ring up the items. But in America the cashiers are standing up. I can’t imagine standing up 8 hours a day. All check out workers in the UK sit. I feel like America is structured in a way to punish people for… reasons. Aldi lets their cashiers sit down. Aldi is a European company and in Europe cashiers are allowed to sit down and they still function like well oiled machines.

I would think that would be fine in smaller stores but America is about large superstores. Canada does the same. So you need to be able to grab items that belong together and bag them. Also there are self check outs at most stores and people tend to use those more. I don't see how sitting could be faster.

 

[Lynx]

I notice in many countries in Europe, I’ll use Germany for example, in the grocery stores the cashiers are sitting down in a comfortable seat as they ring up the items. But in America the cashiers are standing up. I can’t imagine standing up 8 hours a day. All check out workers in the UK sit. I feel like America is structured in a way to punish people for… reasons. Aldi lets their cashiers sit down. Aldi is a European company and in Europe cashiers are allowed to sit down and they still function like well oiled machines.

Here in the USA cashiers are expected to bag the products. Also standing gives you greater mobility to reach and grab products.

Effectiveness usually trumps comfort when you're on the clock.

 

[Gideon300]

I notice in many countries in Europe, I’ll use Germany for example, in the grocery stores the cashiers are sitting down in a comfortable seat as they ring up the items. But in America the cashiers are standing up. I can’t imagine standing up 8 hours a day. All check out workers in the UK sit. I feel like America is structured in a way to punish people for… reasons. Aldi lets their cashiers sit down. Aldi is a European company and in Europe cashiers are allowed to sit down and they still function like well oiled machines.

Apart from Aldi, Australia is the same. I spent a year in retail. Nothing I did could prevent the torment of overloaded feet. Personally, I think it is physical employee abuse. I quit the job after 12 months, not because I did not enjoy it but because I could not endure it.

 

[p_rehbein]

What I found online:

Lack of proper ergonomics
The reason why cashiers are forced to stand is due to the lack of proper ergonomics in the United States.

Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely1. It is also known as biotechnology, human engineering, or human factors1. The scientific discipline is concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance

 

[blueluna5]

I notice in many countries in Europe, I’ll use Germany for example, in the grocery stores the cashiers are sitting down in a comfortable seat as they ring up the items. But in America the cashiers are standing up. I can’t imagine standing up 8 hours a day. All check out workers in the UK sit. I feel like America is structured in a way to punish people for… reasons. Aldi lets their cashiers sit down. Aldi is a European company and in Europe cashiers are allowed to sit down and they still function like well oiled machines.

In America the people in charge let the power go to their heads. Cashiers aren't allowed to sit bc they should be stocking or cleaning the area. It's that simple.

In fairness now that min. Wage is 15 or more for McDonald's workers, we're paying 30 bucks for a crappy burger that's not real red meat. So now they're putting in machines to replace people.... 🤔

Anyways it's all a hot mess nowadays.

 

[Lynx]

In America the people in charge let the power go to their heads. Cashiers aren't allowed to sit bc they should be stocking or cleaning the area. It's that simple.

In fairness now that min. Wage is 15 or more for McDonald's workers, we're paying 30 bucks for a crappy burger that's not real red meat. So now they're putting in machines to replace people.... 🤔

Anyways it's all a hot mess nowadays.

All that may be true in some parts of america. It's not true here in tennessee. Who pays 30 bucks for a burger? Minimum wage here is less than 8 bucks, although the McDonald's where I work starts at 11.

Although yes, they really should be stocking and cleaning something if they are getting paid to be there and not checking out orders at the time. If I was signing the paychecks I would want them to be doing something when they were on the clock.

 

[Cameron143]

One of the reasons America has been so dominant economically for so long has been the efficiency of its workforce. A free enterprise system has built in incentives for advancement for those who produce. Though there have been times when entrepreneurs have taken advantage of the workforce, these have been mitigated over time by fairer and better practices. But if someone wants to work hard and and doesn't waste their time in education on worthless degrees but actually learn valuable skills, America still offers great opportunity.
I'm sure this is still the case in many countries. Where work is seen as noble and as Christians work each day as unto the Lord, God does provide for and prosper His people. And work can become the place where we encounter God and minister to others.

 

[JaumeJ]

Why are working men unable to live other than in their casrs or ou of doors? Why do many work two to three jobes in order to feed their families. These workers are ignored, and even laughed at by thowe who have much. If this is not seen, the eys are quite useless.

 

[Snackersmom]

I manage multiple workers at my family's business, and if the job can reasonably be accomplished while sitting I always offer that option. But I personally choose to stand whenever possible, it suits my constitution and is better for blood circulation. Most of my workers seem to feel the same way.

 

[p_rehbein]

I manage multiple workers at my family's business, and if the job can reasonably be accomplished while sitting I always offer that option. But I personally choose to stand whenever possible, it suits my constitution and is better for blood circulation. Most of my workers seem to feel the same way.

One word: varicose veins.

 

[Snackersmom]

One word: varicose veins.

That is two words.

😜

But yes, I'm thankful my job allows me to stand and move around most days. I would just die of I had to sit in a chair all day. Standing and moving about also decreases risk of stroke and blood clots. 👍

 

[Karlon]

I manage multiple workers at my family's business, and if the job can reasonably be accomplished while sitting I always offer that option. But I personally choose to stand whenever possible, it suits my constitution and is better for blood circulation. Most of my workers seem to feel the same way.

that's wisdom snackersmom! if at all possible, stand while working. the mind will be more alert, you can move quicker when needed, you'll have a better attitude towards working adroitly & diligently & at the end of the day, you surely know you did the best job possible which leads to a happier more memorable work day.