Target's 15-minute rule over Stanley cups led to employee terminations
Target's recent wave of abrupt firings linked to Stanley cup purchases has shone a spotlight on an obscure but crucial policy - the elusive 15-minute rule. Here's the story behind Target's employment policy in the US, which sheds light on how employees are caught in the crossfire of a rule many are unaware of or struggle to comprehend.
The stealthy 15-minute rule
The 15-minute rule, a Target employee policy causing unexpected terminations, aims to provide customers with a fair chance to purchase coveted items (Stanley cups) before staff can acquire them. Often communicated verbally, this elusive rule remains missing from official handbooks, leaving employees perplexed. The secretive nature of this policy has left workers in the dark, with consequences ranging from formal warnings to immediate termination.
Hidden document and intentional searches
The crux of the 15-minute rule lies in a document titled "Team Member Purchasing Guidelines," stowed away on an internal site accessible only to select employees. This document, containing crucial information about the rule, requires intentional efforts to locate. The revelation that the company's handbook lacks explicit mention of the 15-minute duration raises questions about communication transparency within Target.
Why 15-minute duration
Within the purchasing guidelines, the 15-minute duration surfaces explicitly in the context of high-demand merchandise. It stipulates that such items must be available on the shelf for 15 minutes post-placement on the sales floor, ensuring customers a meaningful opportunity to purchase. This revelation prompts employees to reconsider their actions and adhere to this discreet timeframe.
Results and company preferences
The consequences for violating the 15-minute rule are severe, including potential termination. However, a leaked list of responses for managers reveals a company inclination towards correcting behavior rather than firing employees. Instances of immediate termination were historically rare before January, with the company usually opting for formal warnings, creating a sense of unpredictability for Target staff.
