Sheetz ends 'smile policy' that mandated employees keep healthy teeth
Sheetz's 'smile policy' ends after negative feedback from gas station and convenience store chain's workforce
Gas station and convenience store chain Sheetz is walking back strict dental requirements for employees that drew allegations of elitism.
According to a written copy of the policy obtained by Bloomberg, "Applicants with obvious missing, broken, or badly discolored teeth (unrelated to a disability) are not qualified for employment with Sheetz."
The chain operates more than 500 stores in Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina.
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Employees suffering from obvious dental issues have previously been given a window of time to resolve the problem before facing possible termination.
Customers exit the convenience store of a Sheetz gas station in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, June 16, 2022. (Nate Smallwood/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
"The timeframe for resolving issues such as this should not typically exceed 90 days," the Sheetz employee handbook reportedly read.
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After negative feedback from their workforce, Sheetz is walking back the policy.
The Sheetz gas station and convenience store on Lancaster Pike in Cumru Township, Pennsylvania, June 1, 2021. (Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images / Getty Images)
"Our culture at Sheetz has always been centered on respect and putting our employees, customers and communities first. As a family owned and operated company, nothing is more important than creating an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all of our employees," Sheetz executive vice president of people & culture Stephanie Doliveira told FOX Business.
Customers inside the convenience store of a Sheetz gas station in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, June 16, 2022. (Nate Smallwood/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
"Recently through employee feedback, we have learned that the smile policy is not aligned with these values from their perspective. We agree," Doliveira continued. "Effective immediately, this policy is discontinued. We are committed to ensuring our policies moving forward are equitable and celebrate the diverse experiences, individual identities and unique perspectives of our employees."
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The company continued, "Effective immediately, this policy is discontinued. We are committed to ensuring our policies moving forward are equitable and celebrate the diverse experiences, individual identities and unique perspectives of our employees."