"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." Phil Jackson, former basketball player and coach
A global epidemic
Depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year, predominantly through reduced productivity. Even Denmark, considered to be the second happiest place on the planet, is suffering: PFA, the country's largest private insurance company, has reported a significant increase in stress-related customer inquiries, and stress-related absences are costing Danish workplaces at least DKK 16.4 billion annually.
While workplace mental health concerns are widespread throughout different sectors, retail, an industry which employs most people worldwide, has been identified and one of the top three unhealthiest workplaces. Long hours and unpredictable schedules, high-pressure environment, and repetitive work are some of the main culprits.
In a previous blog, we explored how employee happiness fuels retail success. But what can you do specifically to create a nurturing culture that helps address your retail frontline mental health needs, making them feel safe and engaged and bringing their best self to work daily?
Surveys are a great starting point. And while they do not offer a silver bullet, they can help you get your finger on the pulse of your frontline, to help identify and address stressors before they become a problem.
A vital learning tool
Employee surveys are a vital tool for tackling workplace stress in the retail sector. They enable active listening, early identification of stressors, and the development of tailored mental health initiatives. By fostering a culture of care and continuously monitoring the effectiveness of interventions, companies can significantly reduce stress levels, enhance employee well-being, and improve productivity. For the C-suite, investing in regular employee surveys is not just about improving mental health—it’s about ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the business.
Here’s what you should consider when running employee surveys:
- Know what you are aiming for: Before you send the survey, set up a clear goal. This will help you focus on what is important and get the right insights.
- Ask the right questions:What is right for you will depend on your company and main KPIs, but some good tools to explore are Gallup's comprehensive 12-question survey, Gartner's 9 essential queries, and Lattice's extensive list of 35 probing points.
- Make it more than just a ritualistic formality: It’s important to survey your team continuously, but equally important is to have a clear plan to follow up on the feedback you collect.
- Understand the why: To act after a survey, you will want to get context and detail on the KPIs you are measuring. While it is important to know if your frontline is happy, it’s better if you can understand why they are happy or not with work.
- Create opportunities for change: Insights from surveys can guide the development of mental health programs tailored to employees' specific needs. Brands like Kate Spade and IKEA are already setting examples by providing mental health training to their frontline employees. Similar initiatives can be designed based on the survey feedback to address the unique challenges faced by your frontline.
By prioritizing employee well-being through active engagement and feedback, retail leaders can create a healthier, more productive work environment, ultimately benefiting both employees and the company’s bottom line.
Discover Relesys Survey Pro
Employee surveys make it quick and easy for you to understand your frontline workforce. With advanced surveying tools and rich data reporting, you and your team get fast access to the insights you need to deliver a world-class employee experience. Talk to an expert today to learn more.
