Chairs for cashiers

From the change wiki

Cashiers should be allowed to sit while working.

This also applies to fast food workers and other service workers, especially during "slow times of day" whenever there is no need to move around.

Rationale

  • Standing in one place for hours is even more unhealthy then sitting for hours. (...)( It's true that sitting is still bad; it helps to alternate between sitting and standing. ) (...)( It's true that being physically active for hours can be healthy, but that is not the same as standing in one place! )
  • Having to stand is needlessly unpleasant for most people. This is evidenced by the high turnover rate of cashiers compared to store clerks (in places where cashiers don't have chairs).

Myths to break

  • "Sitting is unprofessional" - nope. Being in a bad mood is unprofessional. People will be more friendly if they're comfortable.
  • "Workers will fall asleep - workers are just as likely to fall asleep while standing and not moving. In either case, this only happens if workers are sleep-deprived.

Prevalence

  • Well-implemented in some parts of Europe [ELABORATION needed]
  • In USA & Canada, most retail businesses fail to provide chairs for workers (sometimes even intentionally).

Actions to take

For business owners:

  • Provide chairs for your workers.

For service workers:

  • If you're not afraid to lose your job (or are on the verge of quitting anyway), consider bringing an actual chair to work and using it. Worst case, they fire you and you still make a statement. Best case, your boss has no problem with it and you make it easier for others to do the same. Chairs can sometimes be found at the curb for free.
  • If you're part of a union, bring up the topic at a union meeting.

Political campaigns

This section has not been filled in yet.

See also