Any news on if the asts is actually going to be eliminated? I was recently called back from furlough , and I've been helping out on the floor mostly. I would just find it odd to be laid off after I was just brought back from furlough. Also, what source is this coming from that the position is no more? I keep hearing rumors, but I've been hearing them on this site for awhile
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the vpsm needs to get on board and learn to do him or herself. AST is not the assistant of the vpsm
A lot of you are saying that AST has less work but don't any of you have a completely helpless VPSM?
the ASTS cut is not sadly is not surprising. An AST colleagues will be able to complete the tasks. What AST was when it was first introduced to now, has evolved and there are less tasks. This is why AST has been cut so much. the only thing that might increase AST staffing a little is if they do away with the SWST and allow AST to do edits and request reqs. Some of AST ops task can be given to the managers.
Many retail companies are cutting the middle and it is upper management and then everybody else. It seems macy's is going in that direction. Good luck to the ASTS!!!
I've been back for three weeks, spend about 2 to 2 1/2 hours doing AST stuff & the rest of the time keeping busy on the floor. No compliance training, interviews, onboarding- all normal AST functions have pretty much ceased to exist right now due to Covid. We only have half of the registers open, so less to do there. They cut our team down to the sup, 1 Pt & 1 oncall two years ago. The SM's took on the responsibilities of the phones, (which is how is was when I was in a smaller store), & the three of us just tough it out during the Q4 seasonal hiring show. It can be done, it just isn't pretty. Oh and you need a VPSM & OAPM that are awesome at their job, both of which I have.
It will be interesting how this will play out in big stores and at HSQ. AST is a "newer' concept at HSQ than branch stores. 1 AST manager and 6 supervisors. The AST manager could easily qualify for the new MBA position. She was an ASM before. AST in HSQ is different than AST in branch stores. They are not ringing on the floor, not involved with inventory, and don't report to the store managers, who are on a different floor. Their job is some ops, the vault and HR admin and training. it is a good size group but not as knowledgeable as the HR admin group that was there before they merged a couple of years ago.
an AST person is an essential part of the operations of the store but running the store, the managers will have to do it. i think that some of the AST functions might be given to the sales managers.
A Part time and the mba will run our store. How is that even possible?!
this post is not about eliminating of AST. it is about the elimination of the ASTS, the AST supervisor position. it is cutting out the middle person.
I agree, AST is an essential part of the store, but it can be done with the elimination of the ASTS and having this new position overlook AST. Some ops functions can probably go to the managers. The important this you mention is team members. It has to be a true team to get things done properly no matter who is overseeing AST.
AST is essential to store operations, employee communication, VAULT, scheduling interviews, onboarding, answering PHONES, etc. They are team members. Anyone who says anything different... you’re entitled to your opinion. Please keep it to yourself. Thank you ASTs!!!