Why do employees use a different entrance?

[Deleted User]

If for instance you are sacked/dismissed/let go it is probably not so great going out the public entrance... The paying guests generally don't get access to the sink in the kitchen or stand in the staff area having a ciggie.

Anything else just compromises security and being vigilant.

WobblyDog

I used to work in a company's offices that had a back-entrace for staff. I think the main reasons were:
- Security. The security staff on the back-entrance could expect everyone to have a staff pass. There was a bit of a crime problem in the area.
- Keeping the "main entrance" clean and smart. One purpose of the main entrance was to create a good first impression for customers. It would probably be difficult to do that if it was being used by lots of staff, possibly with muddy shoes, dripping with rain, etc.

custardy

This is common in hospitality.
Many reasons as posted. I would expect not to be coming in the main entrance for most hotels as an employee.
some building its a necessity of the layout but not the norm.

prowla

It seems reasonable to me; it keeps the main entrance as part of the customer/guest experience, all part of the service.

hcb42

I work in hotel management too. Sounds like the new GM has done the right thing. The front door is for guest access - there is almost always a Back of House entrance for staff.

Comms69

ImaginaryBallroom wrote: »

I work in a three star hotel, and recently a new general manager has started working there. He’s trodden on a few toes to say the least - he’s made a lot of changes and implemented new rules without explaining his reasoning. His most recent new rule is that employees must use the back entrance of the hotel when they come to work.

Does anyone know why this would be? The hotel is by no means a luxury establishment. Our clientele is mostly young couples and families, and the place has a very informal, friendly vibe. The staff just look like smartly-dressed guests when they come in the front door, so I don’t understand why we can’t continue to do this.

I asked one of my colleagues about it, however, that was probably a mistake as she is an extremely big suck-up. She’s worked there for 15 years and was best friends with the very first general manager, and seems to think that because of this she will automatically become friends with all the following managers. She said she knows the reason why but she can’t tell me, like she had been trusted with some highly classified government secret. The new manager fails to offer reasoning or rationale for any of his changes. I would be more willing to accept them if I knew why they were being implemented.

So, why do employees have to use a different entrance to customers/clients? And how have you dealt with new managers who have re-written the rule book?

I'm really surprised by the attitude. The owners/directors/whomever obviously decided this person was suitable for running the hotel - why are you questioning him/her?


You do it because you've be told to do it.

Rosemary7391

Whilst it is true that you often don't have to know why your manager wants things done a certain way, I can certainly sympathise with wanting to understand!


Can I suggest that you straightforwardly do as you're told unless there is a compelling reason to question it in the moment. That's because the manager likely won't have time to explain every little thing at the time they ask for it. Then mull it over, and if you still can't figure out why then ask informally when you next have a casual chat with your manager. But be aware that some things are just conventions, or there might not be a compelling reason to do it one way or another, just a need to pick one and get on with it.

Cupcakey

They don't really have to give you a reason. If a manager wants to implement new rules then you accept it. If you're really curious to know the ins and outs of something then you couls potentially ask them, but you wouldn't be doing yourself any favours. It's clearly being implemented as a positive move and with a reason, so go with it. Your manager has experience in hospitality, they know what they're doing.

It may simply be that it's more professional for you to use a separate entrance. Perhaps your manager doesn't want guests to see you rushing past them into work looking unkempt and carring your personal belongings. Perhaps one of your colleagues isn't so trustworthy. Or maybe it's to protect you and your personal belongings. You know who your colleagues are, but guests are strangers.

motorguy

Carrot007 wrote: »

Managers get nothing for just being a manager, they need to proove they are competant just like anyone else.

Correct. But they dont have to prove they are competent to you.

They will have a manager who will be managing them.

Carrot007 wrote: »

Common courtesy is to explain therer reasoning. And they will also get my feedback as to why they are wrong if they are. If they are a good manager then they will take this fine. I am always open to resoning why they want to do something someway. No, "Because", is not a reason unless they are five.

Why on earth would your manager explain every business decision to you? Thats not their job. Its not a democracy nor a popularity contest.

Carrot007 wrote: »

I fear you may be talking about the employment relationship in some very bad places to work. Or some very strange sector of the market.

No, they're talking about out in the real world. I dont expect my manager to explain themselves to me at my whim. Never have in 30 odd years of employment - and i've had many great jobs in many great companies.

Mind you - i'm starting to see why they've brought in a new General Manager with a new approach if your attitude is typical of the employees there.

prowla

Carrot007 wrote: »

Sigh myself.

..., they need to proove they are [STRIKE]competant[/STRIKE] just like anyone else. ...

... competent ...