How Can You Tell if a Company is a Great Employer?

The retail industry is changing and the best employers are doing their utmost to keep their staff up to speed – as well as keeping them happy.

Because there’s such a big variation in the way retailers treat their staff, it’s important to know what to look for when you’re job hunting.

Here’s a handy checklist to see if that prospective employer measures up.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Top retail employers know they need to offer defined career paths if they want to attract the cream of the candidates.

As well as opportunities for career development, it’s also important that they ensure candidates are fully equipped to tackle the demands of the job.

So look out for companies offering on-the-job training, online courses and a chance to integrate further education with the work routine.

The retail space in Australia is evolving fast. Consumers are increasingly using online shopping, mobile apps and virtual tools to enhance their buying experience.

Smart retailers offer employees training in new techniques and technology to ensure they can meet the challenges of a new age.

FLEXIBLE WORKPLACE

The most popular employers offer retail staff a range of appealing conditions which help staff build their working week around family and lifestyle commitments. This could mean:

• Working longer days to receive a long weekend.
• Job sharing to allow school drop off and pick up.
• Longer working weeks to extend holiday allowance.
• Working from home in some sales and administrative roles.

Check out the retailer’s job ads and social media pages to get a feel for workplace conditions.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUPPORT

Top companies look after their employees. They know this encourages greater work performance and loyalty.

Check out the kind of benefits and supports the company has in place to see if it really cares for its staff.

A supportive workplace encourages genuine staff feedback about problems. It works on building strong teams and caring work environments where everyone feels included.

Larger companies may offer access to psychological or alternative health supports along with personal leave in event of illness or stress.

Also look for companies which encourage staff to work in a safe and healthy way.

STRONG COMPANY CULTURE

Retailers who respect and encourage diversity in the workplace are often among the best employers.

They are committed to employing the best person for each role based on merit. This creates a working environment where people of every gender, race and religion can belong.

This helps eliminate bias and ensures workers are valued for who they are and what they contribute to the workplace – which in turn tends to be more creative, inclusive and productive.

A specialist recruitment agency can also give you greater retail job selection and help you find jobs in retail.