Coffee shop workers, often called baristas, have a lot more in their job description than just pouring coffee. These roles almost invariably require extensive customer service, and the more exemplary that service, the more of an asset the barista becomes to her company. When hiring baristas, coffeehouse managers often explicitly stress the customer service aspects of the job, including the need for candidates to be friendly and sociable in all circumstances, even amid hectic working conditions and personal bad moods. A prospective barista’s customer service skills constitute some of her most important qualifications for the job.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets the standards employers must follow in order to have workplaces that are both safe and healthful. The lighting levels in restaurants, like all workplaces, must be safe for employees to do their work without injury. This is especially important in access areas like hallways and the front of the restaurant, as well as work areas and kitchens.