1. Negative Message - Employee Feedback

For this bad news message, I want you to use the components of Bad News Messages as described in Chapter 11 and discussed in class.

Case Study:

You are the manager for Macy's Department Store and you manage 25 part-time employees. Many are retired individuals who are working to supplement their social security payments. It is difficult sometimes to hire and keep part-time employees because the pay is minimum wage and the hours you need people--- change.  Retirees have been very useful because they are always available and usually good work ethic. Sara Smith is 66 years old, she has a Bachelor's degree in Business and is working for you. She has shown up on time, works hard, and is very friendly. These qualities are great but upper management has complained to you about Sara. She is slow, they have seen her talk on her cell phone frequently, and she spends too much time talking to customers so other customers get frustrated when they need questions answered or to check out their items. You must tell Sara that she needs to be faster in her work, to limit her phone calls and to quit talking so much to the customers.

• Write what you want to say to Sara when you meet with her face to face along with a follow up plan to improve communication between the two of you
• Read the components carefully to make sure you cover all the points
• Write out how you will begin the negative review; how will you encourage Sara to be a better employee
• Make sure to be professional