Arcaffe is one of Israelis larger and more popular chains of cafes and, because there is a branch quite near to my home, that is where I often sit both for my pleasure and my meetings. Until a short while ago, the Arcaffe employees wore casual clothes to work, those covered by a bistro-style wrap around white apron. Several weeks ago, however, the chain issued uniforms to all of its employees (well, almost all as will soon be seen). I suppose some like the "uniformity of the uniforms" but as to the staff, among the comments I have heard include:
"I feel more like a guard in a juvenile prison than a barrista"
"It gives me the feeling of being in a prisoner of war camp"
"What did we do wrong that we have to be punished?"
"Don't ask because I'll start screaming"
Personally, although this is an entirely personal opinion, I find the uniforms somewhat silly.
As to who does not have to wear the uniforms:
(a) the branch managers, which is fair enough as those young men and women always dress nicely and always wear a tie and the Ethiopian immigrants who have been hired to clean tables
(b) the Ethiopian immigrants who have been hired to clean tables and that gives me a problem! Anyone else react to this?
Best
Rogov
