Why this matters

In retail, we often interact with young people—whether they’re shopping with family, coming in on their own, or working alongside us. It’s our responsibility to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment for everyone.

Employees who are aged under 18 years, are protected by specific laws and they are also likely to be less experienced in the workplace.

Interacting with Minor Customers

When interacting with customers who are minors:

• Be respectful and professional at all times. Talk to them as you would any customer—courteously and clearly.
• Avoid references to their ‘youth’ in appearance or dress. Minors also take pride in presenting as a mature, respected person and can see such comments as humiliating.
• Do not make jokes or comments that could be misunderstood or seen as inappropriate.
• Have physical contact only under extraordinary circumstances – when absolutely necessary (e.g. preventing injury or assisting if injured). Even then, ask permission first, be cautious and respectful (e.g. ‘can I help you to your feet?’ or ‘are you ok if I help you …’).
• If a minor customer seems distressed or lost, notify a supervisor or offer help in a calm, professional way—never take them somewhere alone.
• Do not take photos or videos of minors in the store (e.g. on personal devices). This is a serious privacy concern.

Working with employees of differing ages

When working with teammates with an age difference:

• Set a good example. Be an example to each other. This means your behaviour and interactions are to be respectful, and supportive and appropriate for a workplace.
• Power perception. A difference in age does not represent a difference in authority at work. Be mindful of not being perceived as intimidating or coercive toward a minor, nor unintentionally being perceived as being senior merely on the basis of age.
• Encourage others to speak up. Minors, especially, may struggle to speak up, unsure if they are challenging authority. If you see something you feel is not appropriate, offer assistance and help them to speak up (e.g. as a support person), or ask if you can speak on their behalf.
• Keep all conversations appropriate to the workplace and those who may overhear. Topics of conversation, jokes, and other social references are to be appropriate to the workplace, and age-appropriate to those participating.
• Do not ask for or share personal contact info or social media details from coworkers during work shifts unless it’s for a work-approved communication channel like the store scheduling app.
• Respect boundaries. Don’t comment on a colleague’s age, physical appearance or personal life.
• Never be alone in a private space with a minor employee if it can be avoided. Always aim for transparency and visibility.
• Do not pressure them into tasks they are uncomfortable with or that they are not legally allowed to perform based on their age.

 

Reporting Concerns

• If you observe behaviour or interactions by others (colleagues or customers) that makes you uncomfortable—or something that could be inappropriate—speak up. Report it to a supervisor or store manager or other appropriate contact.
• It’s better to raise something early than to let a situation become serious.
• Minors may be less confident on how to raise a concern independently.

Legal and Company Responsibilities

There are legal requirements around how minors can work. These include limits on:

• The age at which they can work
• The number of hours they can work
• The types of equipment they can use
• The time of day they can work

Managers are trained on these laws. Do not request a minor to perform duties outside their usual responsibilities or to work additional rosters without approval from store management.

Wrap-Up

The goal is to create a workplace where everyone—customers and coworkers—feel safe and respected. If you’re ever unsure whether something is okay, ask yourself: Would I be comfortable if someone said or did this to my sibling, my child, or myself?

Download our new resource:

Test your team’s knowledge of understanding workplace behaviour with minors and create a safer, more respectful workplace for all. Download the new template now: Creating a Safer, More Respectful Workplace for Young People