5 ways to enhance the wellbeing of your retail employees

Retail workers are the backbone of the industry, ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service. This industry also sees a significant amount of casual labour, with many employees juggling multiple jobs.

Interestingly, while 85% of retail workers love or like their roles, about 60% remain open to new opportunities.

This highlights the urgent need for employers to focus on effective retention strategies to keep their valued ‘job opportunists’ engaged and loyal.

Our Feel Good Recruitment Insights Report has identified the top five factors that can significantly improve retail employee wellbeing.

1. Better Support from Management

Effective leadership and a supportive management team can make a significant difference in how employees perceive their roles and their workplace. It helps employees feel valued, understood, and equipped to handle their responsibilities, leading to increased job satisfaction and loyalty.

Managers should be approachable, empathetic, and proactive in addressing employees’ concerns and needs. Providing adequate training, resources, and fostering a positive work environment.

2. Reasonable Expectations of Workload

Setting reasonable expectations of workload is essential for maintaining employee morale and preventing burnout. When employees feel overwhelmed by unrealistic demands, it can lead to stress, decreased productivity, and high turnover rates.

Employers can set reasonable expectations by regularly reviewing job demands, providing necessary resources, and ensuring a balance between workload and staffing levels.

3. Regular Remuneration Reviews

Regular remuneration reviews are vital for ensuring that employees feel fairly compensated for their work. Competitive salaries and benefits packages can help attract and retain top talent.

By conducting periodic reviews, employers can ensure that their compensation structures remain competitive within the industry. If a salary increase is not feasible, think about what else you could offer instead, like extra annual leave, flexible work, gym memberships for example.

4. Regular Feedback

Constructive feedback helps employees understand their performance, areas for improvement, and their contributions to your company. It also opens up channels for communication, allowing employees to voice their concerns and suggestions.

Managers should schedule regular feedback sessions with every member of their team. Whether it be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, lock it in and ensure employees are aware of its purpose.

5. Ability to Disconnect After Work Hours

Retailer employees need time to relax and recharge to maintain their productivity and mental health. Employers should encourage a healthy work-life balance by promoting policies that allow employees to disconnect from work-related communications outside of office hours.

This means employers should have clear expectations on work hours and refrain from unnecessary contact after work hours.

Get Ready for Happier and Engaged Retail Employees

Once you have set these priorities in motion, you will notice a big change in your retailers. Think, happy, motivated, engaged and loyal employees!

For more insights and strategies on improving retail employee wellbeing, download our comprehensive 40+ page Feel Good Recruitment Insights Report. Alternatively, reach out to your local retail recruitment office for tailored advice and support.