The 2023 Guide to Retail Worker Wellbeing (Strategies + Ideas)

The retail sector has faced countless challenges in recent years, having a significant impact on retail worker wellbeing and mental health. The continuous pressure to adapt around COVID restrictions, supply chain issues and staff shortages has meant that those in the industry have had little certainty. But what impact has this had on retail worker wellbeing and how can retailers support their teams?

We take a look at the wellbeing strategies that retailers can introduce for 2023 and beyond.

The shift towards retail worker wellbeing

Retail worker wellbeing has never been more important, with this now being a vital part of any business’ strategy.

Paying attention to retail worker wellbeing creates happier, more productive teams, as well as promoting a healthy work-life balance that makes employees feel valued.

Retail worker mental health statistics

It is clear that there is a need for increased awareness of retail worker mental health and wellbeing. These statistics give a snapshot into the challenges faced by those in the industry.

• 21% of employees said they would rather not work in retail anymore
• 85% of managers report an increase in mental health issues within their team, with 36% of these reporting a large increase
• 84% of managers would value more training to help support their team’s wellbeing
• 54% of managers reported one or more of their team having experienced a mental health issue that they did not feel equipped to deal with
• 33% of UK retail frontline store teams feel they haven’t been trained properly to do their jobs

Common retail employee issues impacting wellbeing

We outline four of the most common retail employee issues that impact wellbeing, outlining key considerations that can help to overcome each.

Store staff abuse

Antisocial behaviour from customers is one of the most common issues that has a negative impact on retail employee wellbeing. In fact, The Retail Trust states that 30% of retailers claim that store staff abuse is one of their top three issues impacting wellbeing. To put this into perspective, an enormous 89% of staff working in convenience stores have faced abuse in the past year.

To overcome this issue, it’s important to note that the age-old saying “the customer is always right” is not always the case if somebody is acting unfairly. Many retailers have introduced zero-tolerance policies towards abusive customers to protect their employees, while the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act has introduced tougher penalties against customers who attack shop workers.

The cost of living

With the cost of living crisis set to continue, 55% of HR and leaders have said that the increased cost of living is one of the top three factors impacting people’s wellbeing.

Retailers can proactively support their teams as the cost of living increases, offering workshops and resources to help people look after their financial wellbeing as best as possible

Employee retention

Recent years have seen more people reconsider their careers, with 31% of staff in large retail businesses wanting to leave the industry. Combined with staff shortages, this places additional pressure on teams as employee retention is a continuous challenge for retailers.

Making the workplace a positive environment where team members feel valued and appreciated is important in keeping employee retention high.

Workplace issues

Issues within the workplace can create a negative environment for staff. This then damages employee mental health, as well as causing a loss of productivity. Common workplace issues that impact wellbeing include:

• Lack of autonomy
• Unrealistic time pressures
• Discrimination or bullying
• Poor work-life balance

Why you should focus on retail worker wellbeing

If you’re not already placing great importance on the wellbeing and mental health of your retail team, now is the time to do so. By designing support systems and equipping staff with everything that they need to thrive, you can ensure a positive workplace culture, while putting wellbeing at the core of your business.

What can retailers do to support workers?

These six steps can enable retailers to support retail worker wellbeing.

1. Understand your team members’ challenges

The best way to truly understand the challenges that your team members face is to create an environment where staff can openly and honestly speak with management. By doing this, you are able to identify the most pressing issues and create strategies to support the team.

2. Make sure staff are heard and understood

As well as having meetings where staff can honestly discuss the challenges that they face, it’s vital to make sure that this feedback is taken on board and acted upon wherever possible. 

3. Introduce support

Once you have identified areas that you can improve and support your team in, it is time to bring in the necessary additions. This can include training resources, team bonding days, financial advice workshops, or anything else you feel will positively enhance retail employee mental health.

4. Training

Training is key to retail worker wellbeing, whether this is training staff to feel confident in their role, or training managers to manage a team effectively. Regardless of a person’s position in a business, having awareness of how to support team members with their mental health can make a significant difference.

5. Introduce a wellbeing strategy

A wellbeing strategy is a set of values, ideas and initiatives that are designed to benefit staff. Keep reading to see what to include in your retail wellbeing strategy.

6. Measure success and analyse feedback

For retail worker wellbeing to be the best it possibly can be, it’s essential to assess the benefits of your wellbeing strategy, speaking with the team and introducing any new ideas that you believe will create a positive difference.

What should a wellbeing strategy include?

A wellbeing strategy should cover the psychological, physical and financial wellbeing of your team. It should include immediate support and training, as well as long-term ideas to help people thrive in the workplace.

According to research from The Retail Trust, 30% of retailers had a wellbeing strategy in place before the pandemic, 30% have introduced one since, 30% plan to introduce one in the future and 10% currently have no plans to bring one in.

Here are some of the points that a wellbeing strategy can include:

Psychological

• Feeling of fulfilment from role
• Sense of purpose and accomplishment
• Positive relationships
• Ability to honestly discuss mental health if desired
• Two-way conversations
• Training and support

Physical

• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Healthy work-life balance

Financial

• Retirement planning
• Financial planning or budgeting advice

Invest in retail worker wellbeing for 2023

Now is the time to put retail employees first, tackling issues that negatively impact wellbeing and putting support and training in place to create a positive environment. By prioritising retail employee wellbeing, it is possible to boost productivity and career satisfaction, helping to retain top talent and create an enjoyable space for staff and customers alike.