The Worst Experience with a Worker: Lessons Learned and Precautions

I recently faced one of the worst experiences with a worker in my professional life, which taught me a valuable lesson on workplace instincts and security measures. The incident unfolded during a seasonal need for additional help, and here is the story of my encounter with a young lady who caused significant issues for the entire team.

Setting the Scene: Background and Expectations

As a seasoned gallery worker, my boss approached me with the news that a new hire was joining our team to assist during the holidays. I was given the task of training this young lady, who had been described as 'nice-looking' by my boss. Typically, both my boss and I would train a new hire together, ensuring a smooth and supportive learning process. However, last-minute changes meant my boss couldn't be present, leaving the onus on me to train this new employee alone.

Initial Impressions and Planning

It was a chilly December day, and I had arrived at work even earlier than usual to prepare. The gallery opens at 10:00 AM, and we usually train new hires for shorter hours, around four hours, to allow them to familiarize themselves with the gallery and gift shop. My preparations involved sorting materials and ensuring that everything was organized. I was eager to make my 'nest' before opening to make the newly hired employee's first day as smooth as possible.

The Unexpected Delay and First Impressions

The young lady, who was around 20 years old, was scheduled to arrive at 11:00 AM. As I waited, the day quickly turned into a blur of customer interactions. When I finally glanced at the clock and realized it was noon, panic started to set in. The young lady was nowhere to be seen. I didn't get angry right away, as everyone can have a bad day, but it would have been nice if she had called to inform me of the delay. This phone call never came, and by 12:30 PM, she had finally made an appearance.

The Fateful Encounter

When she came in, the young lady immediately made an unwanted request. 'I’m hungry, I need an advance to get lunch.' This was an unusual request for a new hire, and it struck me as unconventional. After a few awkward exchanges, she explained that she didn’t want to help with the sale. Instead, she opted to stand there and wait for me to guide her. Something about her attitude was off, and my inner radar started to go off. While I didn't want to lose my cool, I decided to trust my instincts.

Training and Trust

I kept a lot of information back during the training, knowing that I had to guide her without giving away too much. When she asked about cash drawer limits, I decided to be cautious. I told her that the register drawer could only be off by a minimum of zero to five cents, a detail I made up on the spot. She bucked everything I said and had fits when I wouldn't give her an advance, leading to a series of escalating conflicts. I reminded her that she was only there for another 2.5 hours and that she could eat at home. She claimed that this was not enough and the rules didn't apply.

Workplace Security and Trust Issues

As the day progressed, my concerns about the young lady's behavior grew. I had to stay vigilant, especially when it came to workplace security. When I needed to leave for a quick bathroom break, I took the cash drawer key with me. Upon returning, I noticed that she had taken my purse out of the drawer, which we use for mints. It was a stark reminder of how fragile our security could be. Later, I found that she had managed to take money from my wallet, leaving me with a significant shortfall. My reaction was immediate; I confronted her, and the situation escalated to a point where my boss had to step in and take control.

Resolution and Reflection

My boss took over the situation, confronting the young lady for her behavior. By the end of the day, the new hire was given her walking papers, never to return. This experience taught me a crucial lesson: when your instincts tell you something is off, it’s best to trust them. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of robust security measures in the workplace to prevent such incidents from happening.

In the end, this experience was a stark reminder that while we can train and support new workers, it's equally important to be aware of potential risks and take proactive steps to ensure our workplace remains a safe and positive environment for everyone involved.