Have you ever wondered why grocery cashiers in Canada mostly stand while cashiers in many other parts of the world sit? A recent survey by Dalhousie University and Caddle reveals some intriguing insights. It appears that grocers encouraging cashiers to stand might be onto something, as Canadians are divided on their preferences regarding cashiers’ sitting or standing positions.
Firstly, 76.8% of Canadians have noticed whether cashiers were standing or sitting. However, only 45.5% of Canadians feel positively about seeing cashiers sitting down, which is lower than expected. Meanwhile, 46.2% feel neutral about the issue. These results suggest that a policy change could yield unpredictable reactions. Depending on the store’s location and its clientele, having cashiers sit might or might not be well-received.
A total of 31.4% of Canadians agree grocery store cashiers sitting at the register appear less professional compared to thosde staning. This percentage increases to 36.9% when asked if sitting makes cashiers slower. Although these numbers are not excessively high, they indicate that many Canadians do not have a strong opinion on the matter.
Demographic differences also emerge. Canadian women are more likely to view sitting cashiers unfavourably compared to men. Both Gen Z (born 1997-2005) and Millennials (born 1981-1996) feel more positively than older Canadians about cashiers sitting down, though the difference is not significant overall.
The survey highlights Canadians’ familiarity with a certain grocery store experience. Any change in policy could provoke varied reactions depending on the store’s visitors and even the cashiers themselves. The perception of older versus younger cashiers sitting might also differ, though the survey does not provide conclusive evidence.
Standing while working as a cashier has been strongly encouraged in Canada for years. However, given the growing emphasis on workers’ rights and the aging workforce – where seniors may seek additional employment to supplement fixed retirement incomes – public sympathy on this issue might increase over time. It’s no longer just about kids getting summer jobs anymore. Grocers will need to monitor this closely.
Most importantly, mixed reactions towards self-service cashiers have prompted Canadians to pay more attention to human cashiers. Coupled with the pandemic and hero-pay conundrum, they are more visible than ever. This is something to think about.
Perhaps piloting a few stores where cashiers can choose to sit or stand could benefit workers and grocers, demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being. Nonetheless, given Canadians’ mixed feelings on this issue, grocers should proceed with extreme caution. Canadians are clearly sitting this one out, but they expect grocers to do the right thing, whatever that means.
Sylvain Charlebois is a professor in food distribution and policy, senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast
