3 Strategies for Improving Employee Health and Wellness Inside — and Outside — the Store

On the surface, no employer would argue with the statement, “A healthy employee is a happy employee.” But dig a little deeper — what exactly is a “healthy” employee? The definition goes far beyond an employee’s vitals, touching their physical and mental health, both in and outside of work.

A recent Purchasing Power survey explored health and wellness expectations among retail employees, looking at where they struggle and where they’d like more employer support. Based on their responses, we uncovered three key strategies for creating a healthier, safer employee experience:

1. Adopt technology that simplifies day-to-day tasks.

We often talk about the benefits of technology for creating a more efficient customer experience. However, many of the same tools changing how customers shop also make it easier for employees to answer questions and complete tasks. For example, upgrading an inventory management system can give customers a better idea of stock availability online and help employees offer customers size or color availability in-store without searching for an answer.

In the survey, employees agreed that technology positively impacts their work: 52 percent said it empowers them to be more efficient, while 47 percent said it allows them to provide better customer support.

Retailers should also consider introducing tools to streamline employees' administrative tasks, such as submitting vacation requests or swapping shifts with coworkers. Fifty-four percent of employees said they’d like better hours, and 49 percent said they want more control over their schedule. Tools such as self-service HR portals and scheduling software put that power back in employees’ hands.

2. Sponsor programs that promote employee safety.

With stories of retail crime, theft and violence often in the headlines, it’s natural employees would be concerned about job safety. Retailers have approached this issue head-on, as indicated by their employees. In the survey, 82 percent of respondents said their employer has a program or policy to address, prevent or mitigate acts of violence in the workplace and, in general, these efforts appear to be working. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they feel safe at the store.

Retailers that want to strengthen safety measures further can choose from multiple avenues, such as investing in cutting-edge equipment, adding more security staff, or enhancing training to spot crime and reduce the risk of violence. In the last year, 52 percent of retailers increased their investment in technology and software, and 48 percent have dedicated more funds to loss prevention and security equipment, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2023 Retail Security Survey.

3. Offer employee benefits supporting financial wellness.

Prioritizing staff health and wellness isn’t an action that stops when an employee clocks out. When workers’ needs aren’t met in their personal lives, the impacts ripple into workplace productivity and efficiency. Retailers must look beyond the paycheck and introduce benefits that support employees through unexpected twists and turns.

For example, in the survey, 31 percent of employees said auto repairs are their most common unplanned expense, while 20 percent said medical needs are the unanticipated surprise most likely to impact their bank account. Thirty-five percent said they would like access to local financial assistance resources, while 29 percent would like medical deductible financing. These benefits can help employees absorb unexpected costs and space payments out.

In addition, 30 percent said they’d like access to an employee purchase program. These offerings allow employees to finance major purchases and have payments deducted from their paycheck — making it easier to buy a new tire when they hit a nail or a new refrigerator when the thermostat breaks.

A 360-Degree Approach to Employee Health and Wellness

When employees feel respected and cared for in every aspect of their lives, they’re empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Retailers can lay the foundation for this improved employee experience by simplifying stressful day-to-day tasks, fostering a safe workplace, and offering employees support for unexpected struggles outside the store. And when employees are happy, a better customer experience will follow.

Assad Lazarus is chief commercial officer at Purchasing Power^®, an employee purchase program that provides access to products from top brands, which is paid for over time through payroll deduction.