First, it isn't all about hard work...period. If that were the case the hardest workers would always be managers. Some DMs just s---, sorry. Mine does...she's clueless, schedules everyone around her work schedule, takea 3 day in a row off, is always on vacation when inventory is at its peak, the store is busiest, works alone for 3-4 hours in the AM and gets nothing done, is terrible with customers...in other words, she can't manage a trip to the bathroom.
I don't know of ONE DM that works harder than anyone in my Lumber or Outside sections of the store, or knows anymore than us...period, end of story. They can eliminate these salaries, hire 2 more permanent PT folks and we'd be better off. We don't need most of our DMs for anything, and this is the case for many depts, so get over yourselves. If I really have an issue I go to an ASM right away as it is, and if necessary, to the SM.
DMs are - on the whole - unnecessary and a financial burden on the stores. Two or three FT and a few good PT workers is all you need if you have good workers.
"Hasta" to the Department Managers is what I say. They should be offered FT positions if they're good employees, otherwise cut them loose. It's the price of being stuck in the middle - you're the easiest to replace.