Traveling through this myriad of daily self-quarantine, social distancing, and the ballooning stress that comes along with trying to live through a pandemic is testing many of us to our utmost. So much so, that “keeping calm while all around you are losing their heads” is becoming harder and harder for some to put into practice.
Fear of what the future will bring, stress from lack of employment, or not being able to put food on the table, keep a roof over your head, or protect your family and yourself from contracting COVID-19, are more than enough to create an emotional roller coaster for even the mildest of personalities.
Unfortunately, this stress can frequently show up in how some customers who utilize local businesses and services are treating the hard working staff who serve them.
Barriere is incredibly fortunate to have so many of our local businesses and services remaining open when there is a pandemic happening throughout British Columbia. Many business owners not providing essential services have laid off staff and closed their doors.
However, a core group have made a personal choice to remain open as long as they possibly can to provide our community and its residents with much needed essential services and necessities during this unprecedented time. They may have cut back on the hours and days that they are open, but when you need groceries, a pharmacy, agricultural or pet products, meals, liquor, vehicle repair, fuel, and other essentials – they are available right here in Barriere.
However, all of these businesses are struggling with the bare minimum of staff to stay open. Many staff have requested layoffs due to health concerns regarding COVID-19. Six staff members have left from one business, with five remaining to keep the store operating six days a week, a store that is the same size it was with the 11 staff members. Business owners are firm that they absolutely understand those who were not comfortable staying during this time, and in fact encouraged many to take the time off for peace of mind.
Business owners also say they cannot praise enough those who have stayed on and continue to deal with multiple members of the public on a daily basis to keep these much needed services available to area residents, who are also their neighbours and friends.
But, as time goes by, staff are finding that fatigue is setting in, and the stress really is constant and elevated on a continuous basis.. Some of that stress is of course the risk of exposure to COVID- 19, plus the never ending sanitation and best practices such as social distancing required in the store.
Stress for staff and business owners is also being elevated by a few customers that are themselves stressed, frustrated, grumpy, and critical. Admittedly, with all the staff changes, hours of operation changes, and imposed health regulations, the service may not be what it normally is. The product you want may be sold out, or not available at all. The staff person may not be able to provide the information you want as they are doing someone else’s job. You may be asked to move back to keep the social distancing requirement of 3m or 6 feet. You may be told you cannot bring your own shopping bags into the store. You may have to wait outside the business until someone leaves the store so the maximum number of people within the store meets with social distancing requirements, you may also be advised that you cannot socialize in the store with friends or staff right now.
This is all an unfortunate fact, but it does not give customers the license to vent on the staff who are putting their health and mental well-being on the line because they care about their community and the people in it. The most important thing that the staff of our local retail outlets need right now is a smile that comes with praise and thanks for staff’s efforts to keep the businesses of Barriere open.
Our business owners and staff will be glad to see folks socializing in the store with customers and staff when things get back to normal. But for now – a smile and thank you will have to do.
Like us on Facebook.
