Personnel

3 Steps for Embracing Flexible Working Models
March 29, 2022 at 12:31 pm

The Great Resignation, which began in earnest in mid-2021 following the onset of year two of the pandemic, is continuing to send shock waves throughout the U.S. economy and its workforce. According to a recent study by human resources consultancy Korn Ferry, if this crisis is left unchecked, the United States could miss out on…

How to Enhance Recruitment and Retention Through Employee Engagement
March 8, 2022 at 2:48 pm

COVID-19 continued to make its presence known across industries in 2021. While businesses successfully adapted their work environments, many struggled to keep employees engaged, or even retain them, as well as find new employees to hire. Eighty-five percent of employees now feel unmotivated in their current roles, and 64 percent are job searching. Employees want…

Target to Spend $300M to Increase Employee Wages and Benefits
February 28, 2022 at 6:48 pm

Target on Monday said it will invest $300 million in the year ahead to increase its pay and benefits packages for employees. For example, the retailer is increasing hourly pay from $15 to between $15 and $24 for employees at stores, supply chain facilities and corporate offices. Target is also making it easier for hourly workers…

The Future of Hourly Work is Shifts — Not Jobs
February 17, 2022 at 9:04 am

It comes as no surprise that retailers are scrambling to find workers in today’s tight labor market. As “The Great Resignation” rages on, 4.3 million Americans left their jobs in December, according to the latest Jobs Report. While it’s easy to lament all the ways the pandemic has upended the workforce, it’s also unlocked an…

2 Steps Retailers Can Take to Elevate the Frontline Worker Experience
February 14, 2022 at 8:03 pm

In October 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 683,000 workers in the retail category called it quits, a significant jump from the 512,000 who did the same in October 2020. Retail frontline employees have had it especially tough during the pandemic, with record store closures causing over 2 million layoffs in early…

Reports: Amazon, Walmart No Longer Requiring Masks for Vaccinated Employees
February 14, 2022 at 6:16 pm

Walmart and Amazon.com both said last week that it will not will no longer require vaccinated employees to wear masks while working in their facilities. In an internal memo to employees, Amazon said vaccinated employees in the U.S. have the option to work without masks beginning Feb. 11 where permitted by local regulations, Reuters reported last week. Amazon…

Technologies and Tactics to Upskill the Retail Workforce for Omnichannel Fulfillment
February 9, 2022 at 11:40 am

The pandemic has changed our shopping habits for the foreseeable future, with customers expecting flexible ways to purchase items, including curbside pickup, same-day delivery and, of course, a good old-fashioned in-store shopping experience. These options are great for customers, and the flexibility gives them more control to shop in a way that best fits their…

Amazon More Than Doubles Max Base Pay for Corporate and Tech Workers
February 8, 2022 at 3:57 pm

Amazon.com will boost its maximum base pay to $350,000 for corporate and tech employees, from $160,000 previously, as part of an overall increase in total compensation intended to help recruit top talent and retain existing employees. The move promises to bring Amazon’s base pay more in line with other big tech companies, including Google, Facebook,…

Retail’s DEI Road Map, Where to Go From Here
January 27, 2022 at 11:56 am

For the retail industry, improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts should be top of mind as just 26 percent of board positions in retail organizations are held by women. Furthermore, only 13 percent of ethnically diverse employees hold executive roles in retail companies. Not only does fostering an inclusive environment create a fair and…

Place Employee Experience and Customer Experience on the Same Playing Field
January 11, 2022 at 12:53 pm

A recent Clickatell survey showed that the typical customer spends 13 hours a year on hold — hours they would rather be relaxing (58 percent), doing chores (46 percent) or spending with family (36 percent). Additionally, one-third of those respondents said spending even five minutes to nine minutes on hold can lead to negative feelings towards a brand. Even with…