Managing a retail workforce can be a challenge. It’s a fast-paced environment, punctuated by a contingent of casual workers, high turnover and seasonal peaks. On this basis, it’s imperative that you have robust recruitment and induction processes and systems in place which will allow you to engage quickly and manage and monitor your entire workforce.
A key part of the engagement and induction process is training and information. Making sure each employee is up to speed with both the knowledge needed for their role, as well as knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations will ensure you get a high level of employee engagement and reduce the risk of injury. It’s important to lead your employees, as well as manage them. Sometimes, leading by example will create a better environment for everyone, rather than making people feel isolated.
Another aspect of retail that can lead to lackluster performance is the perceived lack of incentives/ways to improve employees’ retail careers. Providing clear pathways that allow for performance to be rewarded will not only mean that you have employees looking to take the next step, but improve workplace morale, as people know their hard work will be rewarded. After all, who doesn’t want to receive something for their hard work? Whilst it’s a big step to implement a rewards program, you’ll see results almost immediately.
A surefire way of improving your employees’ knowledge is by making sure people are cross-trained. Not only does this avoid boredom, by meaning people are able to switch up their roles, but also provides a safety net for employees. Is someone at work struggling? No worries, people around them are trained in their current role and can provide support and guidance. By cross-training employees, they are then able to pass on this knowledge to future employees, creating relationships and harmony in the workplace.
If you’re looking to get your retail employees up to speed, then make sure you check out our free Young Worker ebook. It’s a resource that tells you how you can better interact with your young workers (as retail workers tend to be) and will be an invaluable way to prepare for busy periods in the retail year.
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