In response to your article in the March issue, “Get Off Your Duff” (by Gary Garberg): Out of the hundreds of autoparts stores I have visited and the 25-30 stores I have worked at in over the last 10 years, I’ve found none of what you experienced in your visit. Gary, it’s my belief that the real problem is not the stool, but the work ethic of the employee and, just maybe, some additional leadership skills of the boss.

I’m a 63-year-old who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and the recent recipient of a foot operation. Even though I feel I work as hard as some, an hour for lunch after four hours on your feet does not cut it. When the others have finished their smoke breaks, I take a fresh-air break — in sight of the front door and registers — and sit down on my roll-around stool.

I’m not a doctor but I find it hard to believe that being on your feet on a cement floor isn’t going to have some negative effect on a counterperson’s lower joints.

Now that I’ve made my pet peeves known, I’m going to proudly put on my uniform, clock in, find out today’s objectives, work until my feet and joints hurt, and sit on my stool for a few minutes. Maybe you’ll come by while I’m sitting and be mildly surprised that from that stool, I’ll greet you within moments of entering our store, make you feel welcome, relaxed and, quite possibly, happy that you are here.

K. Brandt, Martinsburg, W.Va.