Labor shortages and difficulties in recruiting employees have become common concerns in recent years.
One of the challenges shared by many companies is that employees leave soon after they have been hired, despite the time and effort invested in recruiting and training them.
At the same time, however, it is also true that some stores are able to retain their employees for a long time.
Why does such a difference occur?
Let's consider the differences between stores where employees leave and stores where they stay, by listening to the SOS signals coming from the frontline.
1. Are the Store Manager and Senior Staff Easy to Talk to?
We often hear comments such as:
“The store manager is always busy, so I feel uncomfortable asking questions.”
“Even when I ask a senior colleague, they don't explain things very well.”
Especially for new employees, there are many things they do not know.
As part of on-the-job training (OJT), store managers and senior staff have an important role to play in teaching and supporting new employees.
Of course, it is important to provide the required training.
But it is equally important to create an environment where new employees feel comfortable asking questions whenever they need help.
2. Does the Store Manager Stay Positive Even When Sales Are Poor?
We also often hear:
“When sales are poor, the store manager becomes upset, and it makes things difficult for everyone.”
When sales are poor, the store manager may also receive strong criticism from their manager or from head office.
Even in such situations, the store manager should maintain a positive attitude and communicate the message:
“Let's stay positive and work together to improve things.”
A manager should not spend the day working with a frustrated expression on their face.
In particular, showing such negative emotions in areas where customers can see them is something that should be avoided as much as possible.
3. Are Employees Able to Take Their Breaks and Days Off Properly?
We sometimes hear:
“I feel uncomfortable taking the breaks or days off that are scheduled on my shift.”
With the increased focus on improving working conditions, this concern may have become less common than it was in the past.
However, there are still stores where employees feel uncomfortable taking the breaks or days off they are entitled to.
Breaks and days off are important not only because they are required by workplace rules and policies, but also because they help employees maintain their physical condition and perform their work at a high level.
Managers should make sure that employees can take appropriate breaks and days off without feeling guilty or uncomfortable.
4. Are Long-Term Employees Running the Store Instead of the Store Manager?
We sometimes hear comments such as:
“I'm not sure whether the store manager or Ms. A is really in charge.”
“Even the store manager can't really stand up to Ms. A.”
Having employees who stay with the company for a long time is certainly something to appreciate.
However, it becomes a problem if a long-serving or senior employee effectively becomes the person who decides the rules of the store, as in:
“Whatever Ms. A says is the rule here.”
That would be putting the organization in the wrong order.
In such cases, both sides need to clearly understand their roles again:
- The store manager is responsible for managing the entire store and setting its direction.
- Store policies and decisions are ultimately determined by the store manager.
The long-serving employee should support the store manager rather than operate as an unofficial manager.
5. Does Head Office Have a System in Place to Support the Stores?
We also hear comments such as:
“Even when we work hard at the store, our efforts aren't recognized by head office.”
“Sometimes we don't understand why head office has given us certain instructions, so it's difficult to fully accept them.”
One of the important roles of head office is to support stores so that they can operate more smoothly and effectively.
Head office should understand the actual situation at the stores before deciding on operational policies.
It is also important to listen to the challenges stores are facing and work together with them to find solutions.
At the same time, store teams should appreciate the work that head office is doing behind the scenes
and maintain a sense that stores and head office are working together toward the same goal: improving the business and increasing sales.
Is your store a workplace where people want to work?
