Retail theft is a growing concern for businesses worldwide, with major retailers like Walmart facing significant losses each year. Despite efforts to curb this issue, the policies and practices within these organizations often create a paradoxical situation for employees tasked with preventing theft. This essay delves into the story of Rhea Gordon, a former Walmart employee, whose attempt to stop shoplifters led to her termination. Her experience highlights the inherent challenges and contradictions in how retailers manage theft prevention.
The Incident at Walmart
Rhea Gordon, a former Walmart associate in North Carolina, was fired after attempting to stop two shoplifters in November 2023. As a self-checkout monitor, Gordon’s role was to oversee the self-service checkout area to ensure that transactions were conducted honestly. On the night of November 4th, two girls entered the store with a large gray tote. They scanned the tote, which cost $6.95, but continued past Gordon without scanning the numerous items inside the tote. Following Walmart’s internal guidelines of “B.O.B. and L.I.S.A.” (Bottom of the Basket and Look Inside, Always), Gordon approached the girls to inspect the tote. When they refused, she lifted the lid with her finger, revealing it was filled with cosmetics, significantly more valuable than the tote itself.
Despite her vigilance, the police and the store’s asset protection team took no immediate action against the shoplifters. A few days later, Gordon was called into the office by her supervisor and the asset protection lead, who informed her that she was being fired for violating company policy by stepping outside the store and handling the tote. This decision underscores the conflict between company policies and the practical challenges faced by employees on the front lines of retail theft.
Retail Theft and Company Policies
Retail theft, or “shrinkage,” is a critical issue for stores like Walmart. The company has reported substantial losses due to theft, which can lead to higher prices for consumers and affect employee job security. However, the policies designed to prevent theft often place employees in difficult positions. Walmart’s official stance is to avoid confrontation with shoplifters to prevent potential harm to employees and customers. This policy is intended to minimize liability and ensure safety, but it also limits the actions employees can take to prevent theft.
Gordon’s case exemplifies this dilemma. By attempting to stop the shoplifters, she acted in what she believed was the store’s best interest. However, her actions were deemed a policy violation, leading to her dismissal. This raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of such policies. Employees are expected to prevent theft but are not given the tools or authority to do so effectively, creating a catch-22 situation.
The Impact on Employees
The consequences of these policies on employees are significant. Workers like Gordon are caught between the expectation to prevent theft and the risk of job termination for taking action. This creates a stressful and demoralizing work environment. Gordon’s experience of being denied unemployment benefits after her termination further illustrates the precarious position of retail employees. She had to appeal Walmart’s decision and go through arbitration to overturn the denial, a process that many employees may not have the resources or knowledge to navigate successfully.
Moreover, employees are often blamed for the store’s shrinkage. At Gordon’s store, workers were required to wear badges indicating the level of shrinkage and implying their failure to prevent it. This practice not only affects employee morale but also shifts the responsibility for theft from systemic issues within the company to individual workers.
The Broader Context of Retail Theft
Retail theft is not just a problem for Walmart; it is a widespread issue affecting retailers globally. The rise of self-checkout systems has made it easier for shoplifters to exploit vulnerabilities. According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, over $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers each year in the United States alone. This has led to a range of responses from retailers, from increased security measures to stricter policies for employees.
However, as Gordon’s story shows, these measures often fail to address the root causes of theft or provide adequate support for employees. Retailers must balance the need for security with fair and supportive policies for their workers. This includes providing clear guidelines, adequate training, and appropriate authority to handle theft situations.
The Psychological Impact on Employees
The psychological impact of dealing with theft can be significant for retail employees. Constantly monitoring for potential shoplifters, dealing with confrontations, and facing the threat of job termination create a high-stress environment. Employees may feel undervalued and unsupported, which can lead to burnout and high turnover rates.
In Gordon’s case, she expressed feelings of burnout and frustration with her role at the self-checkout before the incident that led to her termination. Her experience of being labeled responsible for shrinkage and the lack of support from the asset protection team only compounded these feelings. Retailers need to recognize the mental health implications of their policies and provide adequate support and resources for their employees.
The Need for Policy Reform
Gordon’s story highlights the urgent need for policy reform in how retailers address theft and support their employees. Retailers must develop comprehensive strategies that balance theft prevention with employee safety and fairness. This includes:
- Clear and Practical Guidelines: Policies should provide clear guidelines on how employees can safely and effectively handle theft situations. This includes specific instructions on what actions are permissible and how to seek support from asset protection teams.
- Adequate Training: Employees should receive regular training on theft prevention, including conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. Training should also cover the psychological aspects of dealing with theft and provide resources for mental health support.
- Supportive Work Environment: Retailers should foster a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and protected. This includes recognizing the challenges faced by workers and providing appropriate compensation and benefits.
- Review of Disciplinary Policies: Disciplinary policies should be reviewed to ensure they are fair and proportionate. Employees should have access to a transparent appeals process and should not be penalized for actions taken in good faith to prevent theft.
- Technology and Innovation: Retailers should invest in advanced technologies, such as AI-powered surveillance and theft detection systems, to reduce the burden on employees and enhance theft prevention efforts.
Conclusion
The story of Rhea Gordon and her experience at Walmart reveals the complex and often contradictory landscape of retail theft prevention. While retailers face significant challenges in addressing theft, the policies and practices in place often leave employees like Gordon caught in a difficult and precarious position. There is a pressing need for reform in how retailers manage theft prevention and support their employees, ensuring that policies are fair, practical, and prioritize the well-being of workers. By addressing these issues, retailers can create a safer and more supportive environment for their employees while effectively combating retail theft.