The day of reckoning is upon us

[97guns]

im not sure why but automation is developing pretty slowly, i can remember a good 15 years ago when the change person at the casino became an extinct job. i remember reading an article a long time ago about an automated checkout system that would ring up your entire cart when you push it through, maybe not cost effective.. automation is much more prevalent in Japan

[disneysteve]

As for kiosks...would u rather order from a tatted fellow with ear gauges sufficient to put a quarter through, or a touchscreen?

As I try not to judge or discriminate against people based on their appearance, that's not my issue.

If the guy taking the order can do it accurately and efficiently, I'm perfectly happy to give him my order. However, that's often not the case. Just recently, my wife and I went out to eat. The server came over and took our orders, not writing anything down of course. Neither of us ordered anything unusual or different than the way it was listed on the menu. But a minute or two later, she came back to double check what my wife had wanted. Apparently she had forgotten it as quickly as that. When that's the caliber of employee you're dealing with, I'll take the kiosk every time.

[TexasHusker]

As I try not to judge or discriminate against people based on their appearance, that's not my issue.

So you'd be comfortable consulting with your doctor if he's wearing torn jeans, a muscle shirt, and a 3-day beard?

I am betting you judge people on their appearance most hours of most days.

There's something called "professional appearance" that should be a minimum requirement for folk working in the people-service industry, including order takers at your local Burger joint.

[disneysteve]

So you'd be comfortable consulting with your doctor if he's wearing torn jeans, a muscle shirt, and a 3-day beard?

I dress reasonably professionally at my office with a button down shirt, khakis, and non-sneaker shoes. Nothing fancy, no suit or tie, but presentable.

My partner, who owns the practice, dresses much more casually. Today he is in jeans that are tattered at the cuffs, a casual button down shirt not tucked in, and worn out loafers.

Patients are coming in to see him just as readily as they come to see me. He's been here 25 years. How he dresses has never seemed to make any difference to the patients.

As for the guy taking my order at the fast food restaurant, I really couldn't care less if he has pierced ears or tattoos as long as he gets my order right and doesn't screw up making change.

[Mjenn]

So you'd be comfortable consulting with your doctor if he's wearing torn jeans, a muscle shirt, and a 3-day beard?

I am betting you judge people on their appearance most hours of most days.

There's something called "professional appearance" that should be a minimum requirement for folk working in the people-service industry, including order takers at your local Burger joint.

Ha you just described the principal of my kids fancy private school. He also has full sleeve tattoos. And he is a great principal that has helped the school win a lot of awards based on academic performance -- so do you think anyone is complaining? Also, the kids love him.

Our fast food restaurants pay between 15-20 dollars an hour (no national minimum wage here - only union agreements). This means the food is more expensive. Some places have an order touch screen, but there are still a lot of people working behind the counter getting everything ready and handing out orders/taking payment. And it is still a job mostly done by students and teenagers looking for a bit of extra work.

Personally I like wait service, but I also like for them to have a living, non-tip dependent wage -- and yes, that costs money.

[PeggyHefferon]

I dress reasonably professionally at my office with a button down shirt, khakis, and non-sneaker shoes. Nothing fancy, no suit or tie, but presentable.

My partner, who owns the practice, dresses much more casually. Today he is in jeans that are tattered at the cuffs, a casual button down shirt not tucked in, and worn out loafers.

Patients are coming in to see him just as readily as they come to see me. He's been here 25 years. How he dresses has never seemed to make any difference to the patients.

As for the guy taking my order at the fast food restaurant, I really couldn't care less if he has pierced ears or tattoos as long as he gets my order right and doesn't screw up making change.

I would find it difficult to believe he dressed like that when he was starting in practice. Easier to relax from the industry norm once you are established. 25 years ago I would not have had him as a doctor. If after years of having him and being happy, it wouldn't bother me if he started dressing more casual.

[disneysteve]

I would find it difficult to believe he dressed like that when he was starting in practice. Easier to relax from the industry norm once you are established. 25 years ago I would not have had him as a doctor. If after years of having him and being happy, it wouldn't bother me if he started dressing more casual.

I've been with him for 17 years and he's always dressed that way.

When I came for my interview way back when, I wore a suit and tie. He made it very clear that day that the dress in that office was far more casual.