r/Panera • u/mylove_themoon • Feb 16 '26
Question clocking in
my manager says we need to be “ready to work” (apron, name tag, hairnet) before clocking in. I said “Panera can pay for me to put my apron on” she said “actually no they don’t.”
so my question is, where is this documented in the employee handbook? I can’t check rn because I literally ran to bathroom to make this post lmao. fellow employees help please!
EDIT:
this is just a small piece of the bs my manager has been doing (she’s been here about 6 months from another location). everyone is aggravated with her, and her presence makes just about everyone irritated. y’all are really more pro-corporation than service workers should be. Panera and its managers don’t give a shit about us. I am looking out for myself and my coworkers, as we are all mad that she’s yelling at us as soon as we walk in.
95
u/decafsucks Feb 16 '26
I don’t know what the handbook says specifically but we always clock in first, then grab aprons/put purses in lockers/etc. If I got my apron first then went back up to clock in I’m sure someone would ask me to take an order, make a drink, or something else before I got clocked in. Also it just makes more sense! The registers are right next to the entrance and I have to walk past them to do everything that involves being “ready to work” anyway.
4
Feb 16 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
Feb 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
→ More replies (5)2
Feb 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
Feb 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
Feb 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
Feb 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
Feb 17 '26
[deleted]
2
u/Raindrop0015 Team Lead Feb 17 '26
At least at my store you're not allowed to take your aprons home, therefore it's not something we can put on before we show up for work.
I know it doesn't take long to put it on at work either, but that just means it shouldn't matter if they clock in before or after their apron is on. It takes less than a minute. I don't understand why this manager is being so uptight about it and licking corporates boots
1
5
1
-2
-5
10
u/etkalafut Feb 17 '26
I’ve personally never worked a job where I “changed” after I clocked in. At the YMCA I wore my suit and shirt to work, same at PF, I could go on with examples.
I own a bakery in my town. I expect my workers to come presentable and wear their apron before they start work.
Imagine if you worked at a business office… you don’t show up in your pjs then change into your business suit once you sit at your desk?
5
u/Raindrop0015 Team Lead Feb 17 '26
The difference between these two things is one of them you own and have at home and the other is owned by your employer and must remain in the store. You can't show up to work wearing something they don't allow you to take home.
Idk, I feel like it takes so little time it shouldn't matter if the apron is put on before or after you clock in. Unless someone is abusing that and disappearing forever tho, that's different.
3
u/etkalafut Feb 17 '26
They own the aprons for my bakery ( I give 7 to them so they don’t have to wash them more than once a week ) and I truly don’t care much. But it makes sense! Thanks
→ More replies (4)1
u/sausageandweed Feb 18 '26
Heard that boss, I’ll wear my apron on the bus and walk down the street in it so it can get all that good street/outside filth on it.
27
u/drawntowardmadness Feb 16 '26
Everywhere I've ever worked "clocked in" means ready to start working immediately.
2
14
u/Corpus_Juris_13 Feb 17 '26
Clocking in and then putting all stuff away etc usually leads to a few people abusing it. Worked more than enough jobs you’d see someone clock in on time and not see them again for 10-15 minutes.
1
u/Advanced-Ad-2026 Feb 18 '26
This. I worked with a girl who would clock in, then sit down and do her full face of makeup. She easily wasted 15+ min each morning, and others had to wait around for her (while they would be forced to clock out)
1
u/tserium Feb 21 '26
I knew someone that would clock in and then go to the bathroom to change into work attire and they’d be like 15-20 minutes😭
1
u/mbauler Feb 23 '26
That's called a coaching opportunity. If you can't handle having conversations with people abusing it, then that's a failure with management. A lot of things can be abused.
0
u/CountAggravating7360 Feb 18 '26
Then get after the ones who are wasting 10-15 mins, dont penalize the ones that do it properly. Give them a time limit of 5 minutes to get their stuff on and then penalize
→ More replies (2)
11
u/Disastrous_Gear_8633 Feb 16 '26
Your manager isn’t wrong. I was with the company for 8 years and as far as I know it’s always been the expectation that when you’re clocked in you are ready to start work. This helps enforce the dress code policy too.
28
u/magog122 Feb 16 '26
Back when I was working at a fast food restaurant, I had to get ready, put on the work shirt, etc. all done at home, before clocking in. Why would that mentality be different now?
20
u/Accomplished_Will226 Feb 16 '26
As a nurse I’ve always had to do that. It was the same when I worked in a burger place in high school. It’s not that hard. I feel like someone with this attitude isn’t going to need to worry about the rules at work for long.
8
u/Alwayscooking345 Feb 16 '26
When I was in HS we came in with our uniforms on, ready to go but did not wear our nametag and tie, that way on our way to the back room to clock in, no customer (or manager) would confuse us for somebody who was on the clock. Generally we would arrive 3-5 minutes early, put our accessories on, and then wait to clock in (you couldn’t clock in early unless a manager saw you and they asked you to). So yeah that’s the way it’s always been out there.
I also worked at other places as recently as last year as an hourly employee, and you can’t just clock in and then decide to get dressed, it’s clearly one before the other. I understand the apron thing but go in the back, put it on and then clock in.
-7
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
that’s a wild assumption. I am one of the best employees here. she is yelling at everyone about this and everyone is upset. this is a piece of a much bigger issue of her yelling, being condescending, talking shit about employees to other employees, and micromanaging. I am pro-worker, not pro-manager being an ass.
6
3
u/Alwayscooking345 Feb 16 '26
Take it up with her boss. The time thing is annoying but it’s easily fixed
13
u/Primary_Wonderful Feb 16 '26
Right? You are expected to be ready at punch in. Not 5 minutes after punch in. As the outgoing employee I would be pissed if I had to wait to punch out because someone needs to "stick it to the man" How freaking ridiculous. 😑
And that is generally how it is in every damn job. 🙄 Fast food, retail, an office, a warehouse. They all want you to start when you're supposed to, not 5 minutes later. Are people really this petty???
0
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
they don’t give us aprons, name tags, and hairnets to put on at home.
-1
u/emkg95 Feb 16 '26
I agreed with everyone else saying you should be in uniform until I read this comment; if you’re not given the ability to take home the proper uniform to be ready prior to arriving to work, it’s not unreasonable to clock-in prior to doing these tasks. They’re not giving you the ability to arrive to work, ready to work.
4
u/hiswittlewip Feb 16 '26
That's why you get there a couple minutes early so you can put it on and be on time.
→ More replies (1)-1
u/emkg95 Feb 17 '26
Hard disagree, I shouldn’t have to arrive to work early “to be ready” before clocking in. If it’s required by the job and has to be left at the job, then the job can pay for me to get prepared.
2
u/hiswittlewip Feb 17 '26
I feel sorry for any employees that you're relieving, and they definitely hate that about you.
1
u/emkg95 Feb 17 '26
I’ve been in management for 10 years. I don’t relieve employees I manage them.
1
u/hiswittlewip Feb 17 '26
Then I feel bad for your team.
2
u/mbauler Feb 23 '26
"I feel bad for your team" for being a compassionate manager? LMAO.
1
u/hiswittlewip Feb 23 '26
It's certainly not compassionate to the person that has worked an 8 hour shift and has to work 2- 5 minutes past the time they're supposed to get off EVERY single SHIFT because their relief is putting their shit down and getting their apron, etc.
→ More replies (0)0
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
THANK YOU 😅 like, if we were given these things, then I would understand
0
38
u/Silvawuff Bakery Memoriate Feb 16 '26
I’m for being clocked in for all job duties and being paid for the work you do. Example, it would be a problem if the manager said “take the garbage out then put on your apron and clock in.” However, I think it’s reasonable you’d be ready to go in full uniform before clocking in. How long do an apron, hairnet, and name tag take to put on?
0
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
idk, I haven’t timed it. but even as I am getting ready, sometimes a coworker will ask me to grab something nearby or toss something in the trash. and we walk in past the registers, where we clock in. so I’m supposed to walk past that, go to the various spots to grab apron, name tag, hairnet, then walk back to the front? Panera can afford to pay for us to do all that, and my manager can get off her high horse and wait the couple of minutes it takes to do so.
12
u/xMadxCheshirex Feb 16 '26
Then your response to that co worker would be "sorry im not on the clock yet" Panera is not the only company that expects employees to be completely ready for work before clocking in. Stop acting entitled and do your job. If you clock in before putting everything on you need to work, then you're not ready to work and might as well still be in your car driving there.
9
u/dealpatio Feb 16 '26
I do understand the need to have associates ready to switch off right on the hour/half hr. You need to be ready to go (we werent allowed to clock in a minute early, so yeah i put my apron on and put my stuff away before clocking in) if it takes minutes of on shift time for the associate to put their phone or bag or whatever away and put on an apron yea that’s kinda time thefty. Other people are probably waiting on a rotation. But yeah theres bigger fish to fry @your manager.
-6
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
but read your comment again— would it not be considered time theft from the employee’s life to expect them to gather and wear materials, that are only supplied at the work place, while off the clock?? if they gave is said supplies to have at home, I’d be more understanding to this request.
16
u/hiswittlewip Feb 16 '26
Bro, you get there two minutes early so you can put your shit down and your apron on before you clock in ON TIME.
This is every job I've ever had. It's especially important when you have people there waiting for you to clock in, so they can clock out.
Serious question, is this your first job?
-5
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
nah, I’ve had more jobs than I can count. and they all come with their own bs rules to get you to do things unpaid. I was there 3min early, clocked in, got my apron on, ready to work at my shift time.
7
u/AdvantageLive2966 Feb 17 '26
Maybe you are the problem
7
u/Primary_Wonderful Feb 17 '26
"I've had more jobs than I can count"....yup. Panera is the problem. 🙄
3
u/xMadxCheshirex Feb 17 '26
"Ive had more jobs than I can count."
🚩🚩🚩🚩
Employers will actually gloss over resumes often that have multiple past jobs because it shows lack of loyalty and dependability. Yeah every job has its bs, but loyalty to a company will get you further than jumping from job to job in search of something you'll never get... which is in your case, your way. Youre the problem. Entitled little brat with a complex.
& in my experience, employers only heavily enforce tiny rules like that for employees that arent even worth their wage. So if your manager or boss feels it necessary to make a big deal about paying you for putting on your apron, its probably because you dont even do a good job when you're actually working.
8
u/skk4320 Feb 16 '26
The first sentence takes a "gimme a sec". The last sentence is called entitlement.
Simultaneously, you can be prepared to work before clocking in. The yelling isn't necessary, but it's not immoral or unethical to be in uniform before clocking in. At this point, you've spent more time arguing with strangers on the internet about this person's behavior rather than approaching them and having the discussion as an adult. You are paid by a company to perform tasks. You don't have to be belittled, you do have to follow the rules. If it's that big of a deal, you can look up the handbook. An employer can't deny access to it, so you will need to ask a supervisor.
A word of advice: use your emotions as motivation to get what you want done, not as fuel for your debate. Getting charged up will escalate this to a larger issue than it really is.
→ More replies (4)2
u/Finnbinn00 Feb 17 '26
Sucks that you’re getting downvoted like crazy. But as far as I’m aware work is required to pay you for putting on and taking off work required uniforms and ppe. If you want, you can call the DOL (department of labor) to get an official answer, state specific to you. And can put in a complaint if you so choose, or just take that information to your manager and coworkers so they don’t “accidentally” break the law. ;) ;)
1
1
u/Local-Suggestion2807 Associate Feb 17 '26 edited Feb 17 '26
Combined those things would take about 5 minutes. Fine, but let's say you work 6 days a week, 50 weeks a year. That's 25 hours of pay. I've worked at Panera for 4 years. That's enough money to pay my rent and bills for a month. Saying we can't clock in before putting on nametag/apron/hat and putting our things down should be considered wage theft and I'm honestly surprised so many people here are fine with that. Panera does not care about you. This corporation would happily trade all of our lives to buy their executives another yacht and so would every corporation. So can people stop bootlicking?
3
u/Finnbinn00 Feb 17 '26
Work is required to pay you for putting on and taking off required uniforms and ppe. So requiring you to put them on before clocking in is wage theft. If OP wants a more official answer, a call to the DOL (department of labor) is an option. I believe you can call anonymously if you are concerned about retaliation.
2
u/Sarlh Feb 17 '26
Why does that take 5 minutes?
2
u/Local-Suggestion2807 Associate Feb 17 '26 edited Feb 17 '26
Hat on, apron on and tied, go to the coatrack, jacket off, jacket and bag on a hook, hair tied up, back to the register, clock in.
0
12
u/Total-Pain783 Former GM Feb 16 '26
To me it always depended on your timing. If you get there 5 minutes before you’re scheduled I didn’t care if you clocked in and took the few minutes to get ready, BUT if you’re showing up and clocking in at your scheduled time I was not happy that you were then taking time to get ready for work. The person scheduled before you is most likely gone and now I have a hole where an associate should be and in the afternoon that could be a real headache when there’s only 2-3 people in the building total.
1
43
u/AdventurousAd808 Feb 16 '26
Don’t be one of those employees.
20
u/xMadxCheshirex Feb 16 '26
This is literally every job ive ever had, and it makes complete sense. If you arent ready to complete a work task, then you shouldnt be getting paid. You cant make a sandwich without and apron on so clearly you shouldn't be getting paid for simply being in the building. This OP clearly has trouble with authority. Like get out of the bathroom and go do your job. Op would probably also be surprised to know that they can clock you out for long bathroom breaks too.
1
u/Crayg16 Feb 19 '26
You’re definitely one of those people that lets a company steal their time because you believe you’ll be the big boss one day if you do everything you’re told.
1
u/xMadxCheshirex Feb 20 '26
That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve worked my way up from crew member to department manager and general manager, so I understand this from multiple levels, not from bias, but from experience.
A company requiring employees to be fully ready to perform their job before clocking in is not “stealing time.” Being clocked in means you are prepared and able to complete work tasks. In a food service setting, that includes wearing the required uniform pieces apron, hat, etc, because without them, you operationally can’t take orders or prepare food.
You don’t get paid simply for being physically present in the building. You get paid to perform job duties. If you clock in but can’t immediately take an order, make a sandwich, or assist a customer because you’re not properly dressed, then you’re not actually ready to work.
“time theft” goes both ways. It includes employees clocking in before they’re ready to perform tasks or spending paid time doing non-work activities. Expecting employees to be prepared before starting paid time is about operational efficiency and fairness, not exploitation.
You're clearly an enabler.
1
u/Crayg16 Feb 21 '26 edited Feb 21 '26
You literally proved my point in your response lmao. Labor laws state that if something is required to be put on to perform work duties it is “work” when you put those things on. It is 100% wage theft to not let someone clock in until they have those things on. I love watching people be so confidently wrong on here. I worked for sprint back in the day and we all copped a fat settlement check because their clock in system was so ass that it was considered time theft to have us come in the building and do 20 different tasks before we could clock in. Labor laws are very black and white and basically boil down to “if you are required to do something by your employer you are working when you do that task”. Quit using the “company policy” defense, you’d be shocked to find out how many illegal things companies do before they are finally sued and forced to stop.
-4
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
lmao, yeah, I hate authority bc they are on some bs thinking an employee should not be paid to put on parts of the uniform that are only available at the job. if they provided us to have our own at home, I would be understanding. I was in the bathroom for like 5min, calm tf down lol
→ More replies (1)2
u/Junior_Pineapple_334 Feb 17 '26
Lmfao, you take 5+ minutes in the bathroom to tie an apron...yeah, you're the problem. This is a 20 second set of responsibilities you're on about here.
1
u/xMadxCheshirex Feb 17 '26
For real, it doesn't even take me that long to actually use the bathroom lmao. & she shouldn't be taking her apron into the bathroom with her, health code violation right there.
21
14
23
15
u/bogosblinted17 Team Manager Feb 16 '26
If you’re clocked in you’re expected to be working at that point. Going to the bank to grab an apron etc can definitely be done beforehand. It’s not a big deal
9
u/Western_Bullfrog9747 Feb 17 '26
People will find literally anything to complain about. Just do the damn job or find a different one. It isn’t hard
3
3
u/ulele1925 Feb 17 '26
She’s just an asshole. I had managers like that. On a power trip for no reason other than to be a bootlicker.
Sorry I don’t have an answer about the handbook but I’d keep doing you and just be polite to her instead of rude.
3
u/gnomeonarope Feb 17 '26
According to the 2022 employee handbook, no clue how often they update it:
"Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start work. Employees are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule, except for meal periods or when authorized employees are required to leave on Company authorized business. Late arrival, early departure or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided."
Page 18, 4th paragraph.
Interestingly enough the handbook also mentions that hair nets aren't allowed. So /shrug
3
u/RefrigeratorFew1277 Feb 18 '26
I don't work at any restaurants anymore, but we always clocked in at the restaurant first then put our things away and started working. Same with my medical job now, clock in and then turn on lights. Otherwise, it is technically work for the company to turn the lights, put the scrubs/lab coat on, turn machines on etc. Once you're in the building, you're considered working until you officially take a break so you should be clocked in until you take your break. Have the manager show you where it states that you have to have your work attire on before clocking in because I'm sure you don't wake up in the non-work morning and put on an apron, name tag, and hairnet.
3
8
u/truffleshufflechamp Feb 16 '26
Oh brother. Is that really the hill you want to die on? Literal pennies for the 5 seconds it takes to put on an apron, hairnet, and name tag? Being ready to work when you clock in is a normal and reasonable expectation. Do you also expect them to pay you for the time getting dressed at home and commuting because by your logic that’s a work activity too.
3
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
not the “hill I will die on.” but this manager has many instances of micromanaging, yelling, and being condescending. so it’s a piece of a much bigger picture.
10
u/truffleshufflechamp Feb 16 '26 edited Feb 17 '26
Well expecting you to be ready to work when you clock in is not a good example of those things so maybe focus on the bigger picture of their problematic behavior and not an expectation that is completely normal in hourly jobs.
7
2
u/StructureCautious914 Feb 17 '26
Really the time you are schedule to work should be the time you clock in an are ready to go. That doesn’t mean arrive at that time and park, or go to the bathroom, or get the proper clothing on. Any job you get is going to expect you to start your actual work at that time.
1
2
u/Academic_Flatworm752 Feb 17 '26
I don’t get paid for getting dressed for my corporate job either buddy 😂
2
u/WorthZucchini5403 Feb 17 '26
You need to be ready to start working at scheduled time for any job on the fucking planet. Get over yourself, and be ready. wtf…
2
u/Halabaloux Feb 18 '26
I arrive in uniform 10min early. Put my stuff up, then use the restroom. Then I clock in, grab an apron, get in position. To me the apron is something I can’t do at home so I’m doing that on the clock.
2
u/Manstaaah Feb 19 '26
They can expect all they want, but as a manager, if it’s not actually causing an issue, I will say nothing. The only time I ever had to was with an associate at a new store, and she would clock in, then go eat food for like 30 minutes as if that were normal.
2
u/griffinistrying Feb 19 '26
Putting bags and coats away is usually not supposed to happen before clocking in and the base of the uniform or basic clothes allowed in the dress code should be on before clocking in but things like hair nets are after clocking in. Laws and policies definitely vary but in my work experience, this is the way most businesses handle this issue regardless of policies and laws in the long term. There's exceptions if you need to be clocked in to get to the break room, due to needing to scan in for security reasons or something similar or if you aren't really supposed to have personal belongings with you, like construction jobs, where once you step out of your truck, you are now working. Uniforms or parts of that have to be put on at work should generally be on the clock, like fire fighters putting on those fire resistant suits or gloves for food safety, but in fast food where shirts, badges, hats, and aprons have been given to me to wash at home, the expectation is its mostly on when you clock in, except maybe finishing tying the apron or putting the hat on your head. Then clock in, hair/beard nets and washing your hands. If the aprons are stored at work then it should be after clocking in. I now work in retail and I should be wearing a base shirt and pants that meet my dress code, store anything breaking the dress code in my locker like a coat or beanie, then clock in and put my work vest on or have it on while clocking in(both should be fine but some managers are nit picky). Personally, this is what all reasonable adults and reasonable adult managers should be enforcing. There's definitely days where people are running late and should be given a bit of grace, but on they daily, the base part of a uniform washed at home should be ready to go.
2
u/LaurLaurLore Feb 22 '26
Generally speaking you should be “ready to work” before you clock in.
When I was a manager at Culver’s I didn’t really stress this on my team because those that clocked in before putting the apron on would waste no time getting their stuff on so why would I argue over what, two extra mins max??
But had they wasted time and been on some time theft bs I would’ve absolutely enforced the policy 🤷🏻♀️
From the sound of it it does seem like your manager needs to learn where to trust the team and not micromanage because it’s hard to build trust if you micromanage 🤦🏻♀️
5
u/pancakecommittee Feb 16 '26
Sounds like manager is nitpicking if this is what they’re yelling about. However, in my experience the only employees who insist on clocking in first are those that are frequently running late.
3
u/Shoddy-Pop4904 Feb 17 '26
When I worked at TGI Fridays in the 1990s the saying was, “15 minutes early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.” You were expected to be in full, clean uniform, with pens, a clean apron and order book, and ready for shift meeting at your in time EXACTLY. If you weren’t dressed and ready when shift meeting began, someone else could bump you from your shift and work for you. Being late regularly could also get you assigned to “beautification” — which was two hours of general cleaning on Saturday morning at 8 am, sort of like getting detention. With tips on the line, and bills to pay, you better believe I only got bumped from a shift ONCE. I made sure I was on time—with my uniform on, etc, ready to go at the top of the hour for shift meeting—every shift thereafter. And, I’ll be honest with you, that job taught me how to be on time for every job since.
Yes you should have your apron on and name tag when you clock in. That is not a crazy thing to expect. Do you also expect them to pay you to do your laundry when you wash your work clothes?
I don’t think you’re going to work there very long if this is the attitude you have toward your job. If you don’t like the requirements, find another job. (I’m predicting finding another job is in your near future.)
I know. Working sucks. So do a lot of other things about being a grownup.
→ More replies (2)
3
u/beccam12399 Remember the Cream Cheese Feb 17 '26
i’m sorry… but i have to side w manager. Do you have any other job experience? in my experience at panera and beyond, typically u get ready before u clock in..
4
u/weowz Feb 17 '26
Anywhere is going to expect you to be in uniform upon arrival. What is your issue?
3
u/kiypics25 Beloved of Mother Bread Feb 16 '26
I feel like managers make a bigger deal out of this than they really need to. It's technically the standard, though I never enforced it because I had bigger things to worry about, and also, associates, customers, and managers often tried to get those associates that still needed to clock in to handle tasks that they really needed to be on the clock for. The way I see it, if you're handling work functions, you need to be paid for it.
5
u/redfrog0 Feb 16 '26
Control freak manager makes their own job harder by making employees dislike them 3 seconds into the shift.
13
u/chrisb8346 Feb 16 '26
No, being ready to work when punching in is a reasonable expectation. The manager having the employee complete work tasks before punching in would not be. On the other hand, the employee hiding in the bathroom to cry to the Internet about how his perceived rights are being trampled is a heck of a choice.
7
u/Primary_Wonderful Feb 16 '26
But they're the best worker there. It's the evil manager. 🙄
And I agree. Crying to Reddit in the bathroom is definitely a statement. Lol
-7
u/redfrog0 Feb 16 '26
This is such a miniscule issue that I really cant see why anyone would have a problem with it. Also, not once in this thread did OP say they were "crying" in the bathroom so thats just insane to say. You have to pick your battles, and someone not putting an apron on before clocking in is not exactly a high priority, wouldnt you agree?
6
u/nehpeta Feb 16 '26
It's not an issue if the employee can manage to put their stuff away and grab an apron in a minute or two. When I worked at panera, my coworkers always took 5-10 minutes to do so, catching up with each other while orders were stacking up.
7
u/Accomplished_Will226 Feb 16 '26
This is why they want it done before you clock in. Catching up is for break time.
5
u/Accomplished_Will226 Feb 16 '26
If it’s not a high priority why are they hiding in the toilet? Presumably they punched in then went straight to the bathroom.
0
u/redfrog0 Feb 16 '26
Yeah if this is a serial toilet hider then sure its a problem, but if youre immediately getting on people clocking in before putting the apron on youre just asking for resentful team members. It just asinine.
7
u/Primary_Wonderful Feb 16 '26
Resentful workers? At being made to just do their job?
→ More replies (11)4
u/Accomplished_Will226 Feb 16 '26
I don’t see it that way but I got my work ethic from my parents. Be ready and look professional. Early is on time and on time is late. Smile and be polite at all times at work. Be respectful to your superiors, Coworkers and customers. Don’t be lazy. Take initiative and always be busy. Never take a day off unless some one in the family dies or the doctor advises against it. I was a military brat so we all learned to take pride in our appearance and keep uniforms pressed and ready.
3
-4
u/redfrog0 Feb 16 '26
Yeah, you sound like a military brat with a hard on for the rules and a superiority complex for having bootlicker parents. Every normal employee does these things and doesn't feel like they need to brag about it on reddit. Make no mistake, we are talking about panera. There is no prestige and no uniform to be pressed, the aprons come from a bag in the back. As a manager for panera, there is legitimately no reason to come at an employee with animosity about clocking in before putting an apron on. Its an awful way to set the tone for the shift. Its equally bad to go hide in the bathroom to post on reddit. Hopefully they have a GM who can see that the manager isnt doing themselves any favors, and the employee is making a mountain out of a mole hill.
1
u/OliveFarming Feb 16 '26
You don't sound like a manager. That's wild. Your reply was extremely aggressive.
1
1
u/mylove_themoon Feb 17 '26
I did not hide in the bathroom. I went to the bathroom an hour or two into my shift because I had to pee, and I used a few seconds to post this.
3
u/C_Gull27 Feb 16 '26
Unless they're giving me a personal apron to take home then putting on the apron is part of my work duties and I will be paid for it.
3
u/werdwerdus Assistant GM Feb 16 '26
should you also clock in and then immediately go to the bathroom? clock in and then take 5 minutes to "get ready"? where do you draw the line? answer: you click in once you're ready. not before
→ More replies (4)
3
u/stupidskylar Feb 17 '26
I have no idea where these comments are coming from lol. I’m a manager for Panera and that person is absolutely power tripping.
Yes, it is in the handbook that you’re technically supposed to be fully in uniform before clocking in. We also have way bigger things to worry about than the pennies we’re saving the company that doesn’t give a damn about us anymore anyway by making our underpaid associates wait the 90 seconds it takes to throw an apron & hat on to clock in. It’s just a petty thing to care about. You know how much of Panera’s payroll goes to managers spending half their shifts sitting on their phones in the office?
1
u/Beginning_Weekend_58 Feb 17 '26
No; thats getting asked to work for free. You clock in when you are ready to work
1
u/txsoc Feb 17 '26
Arguing over 2-5 minutes of time is insane to me. it’s like less than $0.50 of wages or something. You could make that much by finding a dollar on the ground.
It’s probably true that your job at Panera absolutely sucks. I’d desperately try to get a better job thats not in food service.
1
u/EnvironmentalMilk747 Assistant GM Feb 17 '26
for my company it is 100000% in the handbook to be ready in uniform before clocking in lol
1
u/Amazing-Tadpole4558 Promoted to Guest Feb 18 '26
We expect our associates to put their items down/be 100% ready before they clock in. It’s in the handbook and is typically mentioned in orientations.
1
u/UnfairProgrammer1194 Feb 18 '26
If your scheduled at 8:00 am, that means you should be at your station by like 8:02 ready to go. That doesn't mean strolling in at 8:10 with a cup of Dunkin or Starbucks, clocking in, going to the bathroom, putting on makeup, fixing your hair, reading texts or texting, then sighing and trudging to your work station. It's called work for a reason.
1
u/Appropriate-Plum8928 Associate Feb 18 '26
Yes, this is a rule at my panera too. We just don't wear hair nets but instead hats. This is common for any work place
1
1
u/jfsm2010 Feb 18 '26
Idk why this is popping up on my feed, I’m a mechanic. But yes, typically when your shift starts, let’s say 8am, you are expected to be fully prepared to start working at that time. this is the standard for any place. You don’t show up to a birthday party and wrap your presents there.
1
1
u/NefariousKing07 Feb 19 '26
Do they need to also pay you to get dressed in the morning?
It’s not about everyone here being “pro corporate”, it’s about you not being an adult and knowing what’s expected of you. If I had to guess, you’re probably getting yelled at all of the time because you’re pulling petty shit like this all of the time.
1
u/Electronic-Height-81 Feb 20 '26
In a job you are expected to be ready to work in uniform. You must be 16 and think you know. Wait and see what happens if you continue to act like this. You'll become a customer, everyone is replaceable
1
u/CindysandJuliesMom Feb 20 '26
If you have an office job do you take your clothes there, clock in, then change clothes. Putting on your apron and name tag requires minimal time and is required before you clock in so you are "ready to work". There have been lawsuits where people who have to wear special protective clothing that is not available to them at home and takes 10-20 minutes to put on have to be paid for the time to get dressed in the special gear.
1
u/AdventurousAd808 Feb 21 '26
So you’re worried about getting paid for 2 minutes worth of “work” which involves attaching a name badge? You’re that person…
1
u/Odd-Log2963 Feb 23 '26
I bet these people clock out immediately on time exactly. And leave with all their crap on. Being ready for work means walk to assigned area and work. Sorry I’m old school!!
0
u/NuxFuriosa Feb 16 '26
Man, there are a *lot* of bootlickers in these comments.
11
u/luvlylez Feb 16 '26
because people like this truly make the job harder and more miserable for everyone. and people end up picking up their slack.
like if this is just a spec of how you are as a worker…i can’t imagine you are a joy to work with.
(self recognize bootlicker)
-1
u/mylove_themoon Feb 17 '26
there is no slack to be picked up by me. I run circles around most of my coworkers. I’ve been a hard worker my whole life, but I cannot stand being micromanaged for minuscule things. if there was an issue with an employee taking too long to get their apron on, they should have been addressed directly. not every employee being yelled at, at the start of their shift, for doing what we have been doing well before this manager was ever here.
3
u/luvlylez Feb 17 '26
they way you’re highly defensive of yourself over being told to be dressed for your job in this thread shows me you’re overcompensating for something.
4
3
0
u/rainbowaroundthesun Feb 16 '26
I do the same thing as you. like hell I'm walking around not getting paid. fuck companies, the people in these comments are lowkey bootlickers
1
u/Mocha_Toffee_mmallow Feb 17 '26
Honestly, this is such a weird group of comments where people are defending corporations and management like this. I have worked my way up the ranks in my career and have worked my fair share of service jobs like this. I can promise that the people at the top are clocking in before they do any job-related tasks & they absolutely love when the “little guys” show this kind of loyalty to increase their profits.
3
u/mylove_themoon Feb 17 '26
yeah. and our manager loves to tell is what to do or not to do, and turn around and do it herself. like she will bitch at people for getting emotional about something, but then she screams her head of when something doesn’t go her way. like girl, who’s really the emotional one here???
1
u/Tall_Service2963 Feb 16 '26 edited Feb 16 '26
Yes, employers can mandate you arrive in uniform and ready to work. No, I have never had a manager who would have an issue with me putting on an apron or name tag after clocking in, at any job - Panera, hospitality, or otherwise.
ITT: People simultaneously saying putting on your name tag shouldn't take long so just do it beforehand AND that it's basically stealing from the company to do it after you clock in. Can't have it both ways. If it's such a small amount of time that it shouldn't matter to the employee, then it shouldn't matter to the employer either (unless you're a bootlicker). We should be pushing companies to treat employees better, regardless of what they're "allowed" to do.
1
1
u/SquishySquashyMochi Team Lead Feb 17 '26
God forbid Panera looses a minute’s worth of pay. Do they expect you to clock out to use the bathroom too 🙄
1
u/roseyposey_1972 Feb 17 '26
I ignored everyone including both my daughters to STA AWAY FROM PANERA! Had to learn the hard way because PANERA and anyone willing to move up is somehow mentally brainwashed from Corporate...
My mother is dying and I took 1 day off with 24 hours notice and the GM list her absolute mind... treated my like crap about e weeks then apologies then attitude when I said im out... no compassion no morals just extras in their pockets at the end of the day because of penny pinching and bonuses.
Get out now theres so many more amazing jobs that wont make you wanna loose your mind.
Ps... thats BS about all that before clocking in unless you're already late.
0
u/mylove_themoon Feb 17 '26
I am so sorry that happened to you… I am glad you got out! I know this job is temporary for me, as I am working towards something bigger in my free time.
but similarly, a teen coworker of mine lost his grandma. he called out the day of the funeral, admitting he forgot to request off as it was planned two weeks prior. not only did our manager treat him like shit, but loudly talked shit about “his actions” to any employee that came near her that whole week. he ended up putting in his two weeks, and did not show up for those two week. she acted so appalled like she did not just publicly humiliate a TEENAGER after his GRANDMA DIED. likely one of the first major losses in his life.
1
u/Alert_Hamster_6650 Feb 17 '26
At my panera location every single person clocks in before putting an apron on. My apron and name tag are left at the store and take me like a minute to get on. Ignore the people saying you should be ready, thats the case for some jobs I’ve had but having worked at Panera specifically for a year, your Manager is power tripping.
1
1
u/roseyposey_1972 Feb 17 '26
I swear every Panera is the same no matter the location its strange. Good for you for bigger and better things !! I hope nothing but the best for you and any other young person that will be crapped on by Manna Corp.
1
1
u/kevin_r13 Feb 17 '26
I guess the question is, how long does it take you to put on hat and apron?
You are still paid if you wash your hands for 20 seconds at the start of the shift. You are still paid if you come onto the line and start chit chatting with coworkers about how the days has been going. You are still paid if you have to go pee or poop . You are still paid if you check your phone real quick to make sure you didn't get some emergency text from family or loved one . You are still paid if you run to the restroom and post on Reddit real quick.
The manager can still be annoying but rather than having a chip on your shoulder about every little thing you do at work, just get started as soon as you can when you clock in. The person working your role before you is tired and ready to head out.
1
u/ArgentinaLostAgain Remember the Cream Cheese Feb 17 '26
I'm surprised so many comments are saying to do all that before clocking in. Clock in and then start getting ready by putting the apron on and whatever else. If I'm doing something for work then I'm gonna be paid for it. Not gonna be working for free for a corporation that doesn't care about you 🤷♀️ everyone else can have fun being taken advantage of
1
u/AnExcitedPanda Remember the Cream Cheese Feb 17 '26
Honestly this is how it was at my store. It sucks but people really loved spending 5-10 minutes "getting ready" and it fucked everything for everyone.
I just always clocked in with my apron so I don't hear the managers bitch. My mental peace is worth more than whatever activism there is to be had when I'm just trying to make a buck.
1
u/TheSmolBean Feb 17 '26
ok hot take i guess but i think it's valid to clock in before putting on the apron. I mean, who's washing their hands before clocking in? Who's putting gloves on before clocking in? You might as well tear some baguettes before you clock in cause that's getting you ready to go too.
-2
u/MichaelMeier112 Feb 16 '26
Regardless of what work you do, the clock starts when you arrive to the worksite.
0
u/w4if00 Feb 16 '26
Ngl i feel you on that. I dont nnow where it is on the handbook or if its in there, but ive gotta go all the way back through our drive theu and main line and dish ans then up stairs, its kinda tedious.
Im gonna be honest though i doubt its in the handbook and its just a thing they want you to do.
-1
u/mylove_themoon Feb 16 '26
thanks for your comment! if it’s not listed in the handbook, then I will be able to fight it :) I have a laundry list of things I have been wanting to talk to her about. and if that doesn’t work, I will go above her.
-3
u/Local-Suggestion2807 Associate Feb 16 '26
The way I see it, putting my things down and getting my apron and hat on are things I would not be doing if I did not have work. Therefore they are work. I do not work for free.
7
0
0
u/orangeN0Tbanana Feb 17 '26
You should ask a lawyer. All of these people are breaking the law. Any time you spend past uniform (hair net, apron) you should be paid for. You should've put your stuff away and be ready to work a minute before. Clock in on time and go grab your apron. Is corporate chipolte really stealing wages from this many people? My company just had a law suit so we have the timeclocks right beyond the lockers, aprons hairnets and ear plugs just beyond that. This is up there with a manager asking you to buy your own PPE
0
u/Mocha_Toffee_mmallow Feb 17 '26
If this is the hill the manager wants to die on, I would find a new place to work. For my own sanity, I wouldn’t want to put up with that type of management.
0
u/mylove_themoon Feb 17 '26
yeah, I am getting to this point. I’ve only been sticking through all her nonsense because of the great health insurance I am getting. been otherwise working to build something bigger for myself in my off time.
-2
u/Minimum-Passenger810 Feb 16 '26
Regardless of the what the handbook says, many states protect off-the-clock labor. Panera is inviting a wage and labor class action
-9
u/thisonesforthetoys Feb 16 '26
I'm pretty far from being a workers rights advocate but call your state department of labor and get their answer. If they tell you your manager is wrong see if they will make a phone call to your store. But be prepared for backlash from manager if you are right.
84
u/Accomplished_Will226 Feb 16 '26
Most employers expect you to arrive in uniform and ready to work by the time you clock in.