‘Most retail leaders to hire more staff in run up to Christmas’

About 63 per cent of retail leaders expect to hire more staff in the remainder of 2022 with the Christmas trading period fast approaching, stated a recent market research. 

According to retail and hospitality technology company Fourth, less than half (48 per cent) of shoppers surveyed felt that there is the right amount of shop floor staff available. And it is not just customers who are feeling the impact of understaffing.  

When asked about what challenges are most likely to make them stressed or worried at work, 44 per cent of retail workers said that staff shortages were the main reason, with 37 per cent stating demanding or rude customers. In comparison, 28 per cent said hitting sales targets was the primary cause of stress and worry at work. 

The research also highlighted the damaging consequences of understaffing on employees’ morale, with 42 per cent of retail employees stating that feeling ‘overworked and underappreciated’ is the major impact of staff shortages. 

Hopes of a return to normal for retail leaders this Christmas have certainly been crushed by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation, and looming recession. And with Covid cases rising across much of the country, it comes as no surprise to find that half (53 per cent) of grocery business leaders are anxious about Covid infections exacerbating the current issues they face. 

Sebastien Sepierre, Managing Director, EMEA, Fourth, said, “Forecasting must become a top priority for retail leaders looking to manage staffing levels in an uncertain and disrupted market. 

“Forecasting helps avoid costly instances of over and under-staffing by informing managers of when and where a store should increase or decrease staffing levels. By predicting demand, managers can also optimise rotas and schedules for staff, offering them an improved work-life balance, while ensuring high productivity and retention over an important trading period for retailers.”