# How to Avoid Mistreating Your Overnight Staff: Lessons Learned
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The Unfortunate Reality of Overnight Shifts
It was a quiet 7 a.m. in the mall, with the sun just beginning to filter through the tall windows. The metal cash wrap counters caught the light, creating a shimmering effect. The low murmur of conversations and the sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished concrete floors formed a calm backdrop. Fifty of us believed we were wrapping up an overnight shift, but that was far from the case.
Suddenly, a panicked voice pierced the stillness: "You are not released yet! Who told you to clock out?" It was our operations manager, her frustration palpable. We exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of why she was so upset or if we really had to stay. After working since 10 p.m., we were eager to leave, yet we found ourselves directed to the first floor to clock in again and continue working.
One employee was pulled aside for a private reprimand, while the rest of us trudged back to our lockers, feeling as if we had no choice. The only person who dared to protest was now in a closet facing consequences.
Corporate Culture Gone Awry
We were on a schedule of several overnight shifts at our large retail store, which sold family apparel. The company was preparing for investor visits, and as a member of the visual team, I was told my presence was critical. Eager to make a good impression, I complied.
On the first night, a corporate team arrived, exuding arrogance and condescension. They treated us like we were beneath them simply because we worked in retail. With their corporate badges and formal attire, they looked down on us in our name tags and casual clothing.
They assigned us mundane tasks that anyone could do—folding clothes, labeling items, and cleaning the store—completely disregarding my expertise in visual merchandising. My managers had misled me, insisting my presence was necessary, but they allowed the corporate team to mistreat us and even locked us in the store after our shifts ended.
The emotional turmoil I felt was best described as fury. After clocking back in, I leaned against a display, arms crossed and jaw clenched, as I watched the managers and corporate members bustle around. When my store manager timidly asked me to fold clothes, I simply replied, “Sure,” but turned away. After about fifteen minutes of being held hostage, we were finally allowed to leave. I collected my belongings, clocked out, and took a sick day the next morning.
The Struggles of Overnight Work
I called to inform the operations manager of my absence, and her response was, "This is a mandatory work day. We've had many call-outs." Of course, they had; they had locked us inside! I brushed off her comment and opted for a day with my mom instead.
Overnight shifts wreak havoc on our bodies and disrupt our natural circadian rhythms, which regulate vital biological functions. After working through the night, it’s common to feel drained—like a zombie, if you will.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons on leadership and employee treatment. Fortunately, a new job opportunity came my way shortly after that incident, and I resigned. Over the next two decades, I climbed the ranks in retail management. My success stemmed from my commitment to kindness and not taking myself too seriously.
The Power of Positive Leadership
That operations manager could have retained most of us with minimal effort. A simple acknowledgment of our hard work and an offer of extra pay might have changed everything. Instead, she chose to exert authority, a move that rarely yields positive results.
Throughout my career, I encountered various management styles—some effective and others detrimental. The leaders who inspired me made me feel part of something larger and special. By the time I was managing my own stores, I cultivated energetic teams that thrived together. I refused to let corporate bullies dictate our environment.
In retail, success is born from partnerships rather than fear. If you lead through intimidation, don’t be surprised when your entire team calls out sick.
Looking back, the memory of that overnight shift remains vivid. Although I’ve shared this story many times, I’m grateful for the lessons it imparted. Sometimes, understanding what not to do is the most valuable form of education.
Join Kit Campoy, a former retail leader turned freelance writer based in Southern California, as she shares insights on retail, leadership, and business. Connect with her weekly at The Voice of the Frontline.