How to Optimize Retail Workforce Management for the New Year

2018 is quickly approaching and the retail environment is as fast-paced and challenging as ever. One of the most significant challenges around this time of year for retail managers is effective workforce management.

Maximizing the employee performance is a key factor in the success of any retail business. In this article, we go over some of the methods you can use to optimize retail workforce management ahead of the New Year.

Workforce Management Software

In the digital age, technology solutions are fast becoming the standard way to improve business processes. Soon enough, retailers that forego implementing new technologies will find themselves lagging behind their competitors.

In this regard, why not start by going digital with your workforce scheduling? Tools like Dayforce Workforce Management Software can greatly simplify planning, scheduling, attendance monitoring and task management for retail managers.

In addition to relieving managers of stress, this kind of software also facilitates tasks for employees and enables them to increase their productivity.

Hire the Right People

Workforce management is difficult enough with employees that are best-fit for the job. If you happen to hire someone that doesn’t align with your business goals, it can be detrimental to your entire team.

Good workforce management starts in the recruiter’s office. When fielding resumes, always ask yourself what makes an ideal candidate at your specific retail outfit and hire accordingly.

Facilitate Communication

Your employees are undoubtedly aware that retail training is an ongoing process. Your employees must be ready to learn to skills and take on new responsibilities when you implement changes to your business structure or integrate new technologies.

With this in mind, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with employees so you can become rapidly aware of any workforce issues and make the necessary adjustments. Employees must be able to communicate easily if something is preventing them from performing as best they can.

Set Practical Goals

When setting goals for your workforce, it’s important that they are realistic and attainable. Certain managers make the mistake of setting goals that aren’t practical, which ends up frustrating employees and making management stressful.

In essence, the goals you set for your employees should be designed to motivate personal and professional growth without being unreasonable. Rome wasn’t built in a day and it takes time to reach your ambitions.

Hire a Consultant

Finding out where your workforce management issues lie can be difficult. If you have problems that are hard to identify, or you find that solutions aren’t immediately apparent, you can always look to an outside expert for advice.

A good retail consulting expert will have the experience needed to identify your biggest issues and propose effective solutions to get you back on track. If you are interested in hiring a consultant or simply discussing your retail issues, don’t hesitate to contact the team at A2R today.