Gamestop's Employment Policies: Legal Or Not?

GameStop has been the subject of much criticism in recent years, with its business practices, employee treatment, and sales tactics all coming under fire. The company's policies have been described as notoriously underhanded, with a focus on used game sales and additional warranties and subscriptions contributing to a stressful and hostile work environment.

The company has been accused of prioritising sales of used games over new releases, with employees pushed to meet strict quotas and sometimes even lying to customers to make a sale. This has led to a high turnover of staff, particularly in management positions, with workers reporting feeling overworked, underpaid, and treated like used car salesmen.

There have also been reports of LGBTQ+ employees facing discrimination from customers, and in some cases, co-workers, although the company itself is said to be supportive and has policies in place to protect employees.

GameStop's treatment of transgender employees

On one hand, GameStop's employee privacy policy includes gender identity as a characteristic of protected classifications. This indicates that the company recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy of transgender individuals and considers gender identity as a sensitive personal information category. The company also collects and retains personal information related to gender identity for its employees, which can be used to foster an inclusive work environment.

However, there have been reports of transgender employees facing challenges and discrimination while working at GameStop. In one notable incident, a transgender woman confronted a GameStop employee for misgendering her, and the incident was filmed and posted online. The reaction to this confrontation was largely transphobic, with right-wing media outlets and online comments perpetuating negative stereotypes and descriptions of the transgender woman. This incident highlights the potential for discrimination and transphobia that transgender employees may face while working at GameStop or other similar companies.

Transgender employees at GameStop have shared their experiences on online forums, with some reporting supportive coworkers and managers who use their correct pronouns and treat them with respect. Others have reported negative experiences, such as receiving discriminatory comments from customers or facing harassment and transphobic behavior. Some employees have also expressed concerns about the potential for backlash or negative reactions from customers or coworkers when they come out as transgender.

Overall, GameStop's treatment of transgender employees seems to vary depending on the specific store, location, and individual experiences of each employee. While the company has policies in place to protect the privacy and rights of transgender individuals, there is still room for improvement in creating a fully inclusive and supportive work environment for transgender employees. Implementing trans sensitivity training and taking active measures to address transphobia and discrimination could be important steps in this direction.

The company's sales tactics

GameStop has been criticised for its sales tactics, with some sources claiming that the company treats its store clerks more like used car salesmen than traditional retail workers. The company has been accused of using underhanded and aggressive sales tactics, prioritising sales of used games over new ones, and pushing warranties and subscriptions onto customers.

Training

GameStop has been criticised for not providing adequate training to its employees. While most employees receive very little training, they are not coached in the field of video games and are expected to gain most of their knowledge from personal experience. This has led to a situation where some GameStop employees are clueless about the products they are selling.

Quotas and Targets

GameStop employees are required to hit certain sales quotas and targets, and those who fail to meet these quotas may face reprimands or even termination. This has created a high-pressure sales environment that has been described as stressful and unpleasant for both employees and customers.

Used Games

The company has been accused of prioritising the sale of used games over new ones. This is because GameStop makes a much higher profit margin on used games and consoles. Employees are encouraged to talk up the value of used games, even if the savings for the customer are minimal and the risk of receiving a damaged or incomplete copy is high.

Warranties and Subscriptions

It is estimated that around 40% of GameStop's total revenue comes from the sale of additional warranties and subscriptions. Employees are pushed to sell these services to the point of exhaustion, and customers often feel pressured to spend more than they intended.

Deception and Misinformation

There have been numerous reports of GameStop employees being encouraged to lie to customers in order to make a sale. This includes lying about new game availability, as the company would rather sell a used copy of a game. Employees have also been known to deceive customers about the features of upcoming games in order to get more pre-orders.

Overall Impact

The aggressive sales tactics employed by GameStop have had a negative impact on the company's image and have led to a loss of popularity among gamers. Many customers feel that they are being taken advantage of and that the company is more interested in their wallets than in providing a good service.

Employee training

Training is an important aspect of any business, and there are several reasons why investing in employee training is beneficial. Firstly, it increases productivity and profits, improves employee motivation and confidence, and enhances career development opportunities. It also improves job satisfaction, lowers staff turnover, and improves work quality and safety. Additionally, it helps attract good employees and assists with succession planning.

When developing a training program, it is essential to identify the business and employee training needs. This can be done by reviewing the business plan, assessing business goals, and determining the skills required to meet those goals. It is also crucial to consider the costs associated with training, such as employee wages, productivity loss, travel expenses, training materials, and administrative costs.

There are various training and development activities to choose from, including onboarding and inductions, group training workshops, computer-based and online learning, instructor-led training, and blended learning approaches. It is important to communicate the training program to all employees and offer equal opportunities for training and development.

In addition to general training, there are specific types of training that are legally required, such as work health and safety (WHS) training. As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide WHS training to employees to ensure a safe working environment. This includes training on personal protective equipment (PPE), fire and emergency procedures, security and cash handling, managing hazardous chemicals, and emergency planning.

Furthermore, certain industries and job roles will require specific training. For example, employees handling security equipment and cash must be trained in security procedures and cash management. Similarly, employees in the liquor and gaming industry may need specific training such as responsible service of alcohol (RSA) or gambling (RSG).

By providing comprehensive training that meets legal requirements and addresses specific business needs, employers can ensure that their employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively and safely.

Work-life balance

GameStop employees have given the company a work-life balance rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars. While some employees have praised the company for its flexibility, others have criticised it for overworking its staff and failing to provide adequate benefits.

GameStop has been described as a fun, fast-paced, and inclusive workplace with a supportive environment. Employees have praised the company culture, citing that it is like "hanging out with friends and family". The company has also been commended for its training opportunities and employee discounts.

However, several reviews have highlighted issues with work-life balance at the company. Employees have reported working long hours, including during the holidays and Black Friday. One employee stated that they "work 5 days a week, basically running the store as a 19-year-old", and that they sometimes work "8 days a week". The high workload and pressure to meet sales targets have been cited as reasons for high staff turnover.

In terms of benefits, GameStop does not offer paid vacation days or personal days. While the company provides unlimited paid time off, employees have reported that taking time off is discouraged by management. Sick days are also unpaid, and employees can be written up for missing work due to illness.

Overall, while GameStop offers some flexibility and a supportive work environment, there are concerns about long working hours, lack of paid time off, and pressure to meet sales targets, which can impact the work-life balance of employees.

Pay and benefits

GameStop employees are paid an average base hourly rate of $14.54. However, some employees have reported low pay, with wages just a dollar or two above minimum wage. Employees are not paid by the hour but by the trip, and they do not get paid for breaks or if their bus breaks down. There are also no opportunities for overtime. Employees are expected to work long hours, sometimes up to 13-15 hours a day, especially during the holidays.

The company offers pension plans and paid holidays/vacation. There is also a company store discount of 10% for employees, although some stores offer a 15% discount. Other benefits include a casual dress code, flexible schedules, and life insurance/disability.

Some employees have reported issues with pay inequality, with male employees being paid more than female employees for the same work. There have also been reports of employees being pressured to add on extra charges for warranties and upsell products to meet sales targets.

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