I'm taking a small break from writing about film to talk about my fellow service workers slaving away week after week. The service industry can be a harsh environment where you have to worry about your daily performance, difficult customers, and work-related incidents. However, these few tips I've learned while working in the service industry can help you survive the day to day grind.
Working in the service industry can be incredibly stressful, especially during your first few weeks on the job. You know very little, you're still trying to pick up the basics of the job, and customers expect you to work as efficiently as the more experienced employees. One of the best things you can do is tackle one problem at a time.
During a busy period, you will probably be bombarded by several problems at one time. You shouldn't try to tackle them all at once, you should work through them one at a time. If you feel like you are incapable of dealing with all of the problems in a timely manner, call for a manager. They will usually be understanding and willing to help you (especially when you are just starting out).
Dealing with difficult guests can be one of the hardest things to deal with working in the service industry. When a customer starts getting angry with you, you start to get stressed and upset because it feels like they are personally attacking you. You suddenly freeze and become incapable of processing the solution to the problem, which only makes the guest even madder.
The best way to deal with this problem is to remember to not take their angry outbursts personally. Usually, their anger is coming from a different place and they're using a mild inconvenience in the store as a lightning rod to let out that anger. Sometimes that anger is deflected on you, and it is important to remain as patient and understanding as possible. Make the customer feel like you are focusing all of your attention on them, and they will usually calm down.
However, this does not mean you should become a pushover or doormat to every customer. If a guest remains angry after you exhausted all other options, or if they actually start to get violent, then you can signal a manager to help them or escort them off the property. After work, you can relieve the stress from that situation by doing whatever it is that you do to relax, such as watch a movie, play a game, take a hot bath, or exercise.
To relieve stress during work, just ask the manager for a breather for a few minutes. Take deep breaths and exhale slowly to calm your nerves. You can also take a quick drink of water if you have the time. Maintaining mental health is important while working in the hectic service industry.
Finally, remember that your coworkers will help you out, no matter what. They are most likely in the same boat you are and know what you are going through on the job. It feels good to relieve some stress by discussing a difficult situation with your fellow workers and laughing about it. Hopefully, these tips can get you through the day and help you make work a slightly less stressful place. Just remember, even though it rarely feels like it, you are a valued worker and your work is what helps the world go round.
