Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
A report by the charity Retail Trust has found that 84% of retail workers said their mental health has deteriorated during the pandemic, leading to symptoms like increased anxiety, changes in eating or sleeping habits and long-lasting sadness for more than a third of staff. Nearly two-thirds of retail managers said they had been left overwhelmed by the extra work created by the pandemic.
People working on the shop floor and in distribution warehouses, as well as younger retail workers in their 20s, have the lowest levels of wellbeing, the study reveals.
Retail Trust also carried out research among more than 20 household name retailers to find out what they are doing to help staff. It found many are introducing measures to increase communication with employees and provide access to mental health services and training, although several admitted they were investing in this area for the first time and most others said they have not increased their mental health budgets since the pandemic. In addition, 30% said they have now put in place a strategic plan that allows them to measure the success of initiatives and their impact on staff wellbeing.
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, said: “Retail workers been hard hit financially, emotionally and physically over the last 12 months as our research shows, and it is clear that the retail sector now has a vital role to play in building hope, health and happiness as we move out of this crisis. Businesses who step up now will be rewarded with healthier and happier workers, a positive culture and ultimately, business growth.”
David Potts, chief executive of Morrisons, added: “This has been an exceptionally challenging year for everyone in retail. Health, wellbeing and especially mental health must continue to be at the very centre of the retail conversation as we make plans for the route out of Covid and prepare to come back stronger.”
Leaders from a number of retailers, including Morrisons and John Lewis, will take part in a free digital event being run by Retail Trust next week (10 and 11 May) looking at how to build hope, health and happiness for UK retail’s four million-strong workforce. There will also be advice on managing mental health and financial pressures for everyone working in the retail sector, with former political aide and mental health advocate Alastair Campbell taking part to stress why employers should drive openness around mental health. Visit retailtrust.org.uk/forthefour to register.
