Target Rolls Out Interesting New Employee Policy

Next time you walk into a Target store near you, you might notice a big change. Some may love it and others may not.

Target has been in the headlines quite a bit lately. Late last month, it came out that the Minnesota-based business would be laying off nearly 1,000 employees in an effort to restructure after a tough year.

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In lighter news, Target stores also hosted midnight release parties for Taylor Swift's latest album, which came out in October. It reminded me of pre-COVID days and I loved it. There's nothing like the excitement I used to feel doing the same thing back in the day.

Now, Target is making headlines for their new employee policy - and it is definitely not what you think.

Target Rolls Out New Policy For Employees - Smile More!

Yes, really. When I first read this, I thought it might be satire but it turns out it is true. Target is advising employees to smile more in an effort to boost sales. It's all part of their new '10-4 policy' for employees.

RELATED: Target Reveals 2025 Holiday Season Plans

This news was released this week and it definitely has customers divided. While I always like to be greeted when I am in a store, most times I know what I want and need and like to get in and out. It's also upsetting that we have to remind people to smile but I guess work can be a stressful place.

All About Target's New 10-4 Policy For Employees In Minnesota + Wisconsin

This is much more than just asking employees to smile more. The '10' in this policy refers to employees within ten feet of a customer. If this is the case, employees are advised to make eye contact, wave and smile at customers, along with appearing approachable and ready to help.

RELATED: Target Can Ban You For Doing THIS In Their Stores

As for the '4' in the policy, that also refers to distance between a customer and employee. If an employee is within four feet of a customer, they are asked to approach the customer, greet them personally and ask if they need help.

Working in retail is never easy and especially around this time of the year. While this is Target's way to boost sales, I do think there can be some middle ground here. Ha!