Scary Economy Makes Some Need to Appear to be Busy

In a recent article online on nytimes.com, author Jan Hoffman elaborates on the ever infamous topic of the failing U.S. economy. Retailers across the country are feeling the burden of the hard financial times for many Americans, especially those who work within the retail store setting. Hoffman writes of one woman who works at a small chain store in downtown Manhatten and how she must do busy work to make her look like she has something to do. Carolyn Bailey, an employee at NoLIta, is the supervisor that Hoffman interviews, of which Bailey says she often does things like space out the hangers, move displays around aimlessly, and even mentions mopping just for the purpose of making herself busy; at the chance of a corporate employee walking into the store, Bailey makes sure she always appears to have things to do.

I completely understand how Bailey feels in this situation. In my last retail job, I had the need to look busy at all times, not only for the fear of corporate visiting the store and find the employees standing around, but to pass the time and not fall victim to boredom. I'd find myself doing unusual and timely cleaning tasks and rearranging displays to keep me busy. Many companies, especially retailers, are feeling the burden of the suffering economy and even if employees are bored at their current job because it may be a slow flow of customers, it has been recommended by a lot of people that people keep the job they have. This is a very intelligent thing to do and I follow this advice.

In the months to follow, while Americans watch what our new President will attempt to do with the failing economy (which is a man that I have great trust in), workers must be cautious and hard working to keep their incomes in their pockets.

This article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/fashion/25busy.html?scp=3&sq=retail&st=cse