Love your employees, lend them a stool

I have been meaning to write for a very long time regarding an issue that has been disturbing to me.

I do much shopping of all kinds and eat at many restaurants in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area. While out and about, I almost always witness workers, especially cashiers and greeters, having to stand up consistently for eight hours and more with only short breaks.

I have seen these people, obviously in different degrees of pain, attempting to lean inconspicuously on something nearby or moving from one foot to another to shift the discomfort. I have talked to some about their situation but it is obvious they dare not complain for fear of losing their minimum wage jobs. Instead they suffer silently with pain in their necks, backs, hips, knees, ankles, etc.

This type of treatment is unacceptable. I lived in Europe for many years where, in most cases, high stools and chairs were supplied to folks in these types of jobs. It disturbs me greatly to see workers, especially those who are older and often overweight, having to stand so long simply because it “looks good” to customers.

American employers need to take a lesson from the Europeans and supply some comfort to their employees. I am sure the consumers would not mind and might actually respect the employers for doing so.

This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Love your employees, lend them a stool."