GroceryAid’s festive top tips for store staff

The festive season is a special time for the sector and can only happen thanks to the grocery workers who step up the pace to keep shelves stocked and customers happy.

Christmas 2024 saw £14.6bn in record-breaking sales in the three weeks to Christmas, but with increased profits comes increased pressure. This can sometimes lead to feeling overwhelmed, especially when everything else, from social engagements to family responsibilities, is also at full throttle.

Here are GroceryAid's top tips for surviving the festive season in grocery:

• Don’t take it personally – You shouldn’t have to have a thick skin to work in grocery, but the reality is that consumers can often take their frustrations out on those serving them. Long queue times, delayed deliveries and overall festive pressures can all make for grouchy customers despite the promise of festive cheer, but rest assured it’s not you they’re cross at.
• Be prepared – Planning ahead can make a huge difference. Whether that means having comfortable footwear, carrying a water bottle, or getting a good night’s sleep before a busy shift, small steps can set you up for success. Mentally preparing yourself can also help you pace your energy and manage stress levels. It can also help to have a few prepared answers ready for common questions from customers or colleagues – that way you’re not flustered when put on the spot, and you can respond calmly and confidently.
• Take your breaks – It’s easy to feel like you should keep pushing through when things are busy, but your breaks are not optional luxuries – they’re essential. Step outside, stretch, eat something nutritious, or simply sit quietly away from your area of work. Even short pauses can help reset your energy and make the rest of your shift feel more manageable.
• Don’t overcommit – Juggling work, family and social pressures in the run-up to Christmas is no mean feat, and while the financial benefit of extra shifts can be alluring, don’t be tempted to take on more than you can realistically balance. You can’t do your best job at home or work if you’re burning out.
• Set boundaries and stick to them – The festive season has a way of making us feel like we have to say "yes" to everything, but protecting your time and energy is vital. If you know you need a day off to recharge, don’t feel guilty about saying no to overtime. Equally, make sure family and friends understand when you’ll be working so you’re not pulled in too many directions. Clear boundaries mean you can be fully present both at work and at home.
• Ask for help – You don’t have to face the festive pressures alone. If it all starts to feel overwhelming, reach out for support, whether that’s talking to family, friends, your manager, or accessing help through GroceryAid.

GroceryAid offers a free and confidential 24/7 Helpline (08088 021 122), giving you immediate access to trained counsellors – even on Christmas Day. Additional resources and guidance can also be found on its website, covering everything from wellbeing to self-care practices. And if financial worries are weighing on you, its one-to-one debt advice and online financial hub provide free and impartial support to help you manage money with confidence this festive season and beyond.