By Marina Shestakova
Nearly half of retail staff have considered leaving the workplace due to the recent abuse issues that they face with more than 8 out of 10 people verbally abused by customers. Retail Trust has launched the ‘Let’s Respect Retail’ campaign to protect the wellbeing of three million retail workers in the UK with the busiest time of the year just around the corner.
A YouGov poll from the Retail Trust asked 2,000 UK adults on why customers feel frustrated towards retail staff and found that they are targeted due to not enough staff being on the tills, rising prices and items being out of stock. In the poll, nearly half of them confessed they get annoyed at staff, with 19% saying they raised their voice or lost their temper at retail workers. Despite this, none of these points mentioned are the fault of the employees. With staff settling back into their jobs post-Covid and Brexit issues causing a shortage in all sectors of the industry, there may be more than one reason for the imbalance.
We asked a few employees in Cheltenham how they have been impacted by the recent abuse crisis. A Sainsbury’s employer has said that “you can tell the increased prices are affecting customers, they are definitely more passionate.” However, an employee from the Co-op added “some customers do understand that it’s not our fault, but you do get the odd customer.”
Employees have suggested some things that could be improved in the retail industry, some saying to “be more understanding and mindful – you never know what’s going on with someone.” An explanation for the delay on stock flow suggested that “depots have been moved to help stock issues, but its a slow process.”
With the biggest shopping season underway, the Retail Trust hopes to end the intolerance pandemic. Helping over 200 retail businesses in the UK, a helpline is available to any employee who is struggling with their mental health, both through the cost of living crisis and post-Covid. Hopefully, with everyone working together and being more understanding, we can get through these issues as a community.
If you have any concerns with your mental health at work, don’t hesitate to call the Retail Trust freephone number on 0808 801 0808
