It’s no surprise that the holidays are an incredibly stressful time for those in the retail industry. In fact, data from the National Retail Federation shows that roughly 17% of annual retail sales occur in November and December – with this number jumping even higher (more than 26%) for specific retailers such as toy and game stores. This means this critical timeframe is busy, pressure-filled, and challenging to manage across a workforce that is often socially diverse, part-time, and/or seasonal.
At ComPsych, we work with more than 1,000 leading retail organizations, including department stores, wholesalers, niche retailers, e-commerce brands, discount chains, and multi-state grocery operations. Day in and day out, we see the unique obstacles these organizations face as they look to balance employee needs and well-being with business goals and slim margins. From effective communication to staff on staggered schedules, to adapting to shifting consumer expectations both online and in-store, and helping staff cope with critical onsite incidents, our programs help retailers serve their employees and their customers better.
For example, we understand that some retail workers do not have the resources to take advantage of mental health and work-life services due to a variety of factors including unpredictable schedules, computer and internet access and more. That’s why for several of our major retails customers we’ve implemented a grassroots solution with onsite specialists coming to store locations each week, allowing workers to seek assistance during breaks and before or after shifts. Workers can get help for everything from referrals to child care and financial assistance to intervention for behavioral health emergencies and much more. By bringing the solution to workers and meeting them where they are, we’re able to drive higher engagement. Our customers have credited these high touch offerings with improved morale and productivity gains as well as reductions in absenteeism and turnover.
Ultimately the proof is in the pudding: 79% of our retail customers saw a reduction in absenteeism, 71% saw a reduction in presenteeism or trouble focusing at work, and 77% saw an improvement in life satisfaction among their workers who took advantage of ComPsych’s services.
No time of year is more critical for retailers than the holidays. Regardless of the time of year, however, it’s essential that retail organizations support their employees through holistic well-being services.
