59% of retail workers say better pay and benefits are key to staff retention, new data finds
A recent report by OneAdvanced has uncovered a significant disconnect between retail frontline workers, their managers, and executive leaders, revealing contrasting perceptions on issues such as pay fairness, workload pressures, and the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill.
The survey suggests that a quarter of retail managers acknowledge that frontline retail staff are not paid fairly. However, this recognition still falls short of employee sentiment, as 42% of retail workers are dissatisfied with their pay.
When asked about solutions to staff attrition, the data also revealed a disconnect between frontline employees and management.
A majority (59%) of retail workers cited better pay and benefits as the most effective way to retain staff. In contrast, only 34% of retail managers shared this view. Despite this gap, improved compensation still ranks as the top solution for both groups - reinforcing its central role in addressing employee turnover.
Workload concerns also remain a significant issue among retail staff, with 76% stating they feel overworked due to scheduling and resourcing challenges. In contrast, 35% of managers and executives do not recognise this as a challenge - suggesting an underestimation of the strain on their staff.
In fact, 31% of retail workers now expect to be overworked within their roles, with 30% blaming staff shortages and 24% citing unpredictable demand as a major contributor. Yet, the report reveals that only 18% of managers acknowledge that excessive workload leads to resignations or sick leave.
It comes as the upcoming Employment Rights Bill sparks contrasting views between retail managers and their workers.
Notably, 51% of staff welcome the end of zero-hours contracts, seeing it as a way to drive commitment from employers and a path to securing employment benefits from day one. However, 25% of managers fear the new regulations will make them less inclined to hire younger, untried workers - a concern given that nearly one-third of retail employees are under 25 years old.
While 39% of retail managers support the legislation as it aligns with their company’s culture of mutual trust, many remain apprehensive about the financial and operational implications.
Other key findings:
- 73% of managers think the lowest-paid jobs in retail offer fair wages, yet 42% of frontline workers disagree.
- 15 % of managers believe flexible pay options would improve retention, but only 5% of workers view this as beneficial as they seek higher compensation and recognition in their roles.
- 73% of workers report having little flexibility in their shifts, yet 63% of managers actually acknowledge this as an issue.
Anwen Robinson, SVP at OneAdvanced, said: "These findings underscore the pressing need for retail employers to bridge the gap in understanding between desk-free workers and management.
"With staff retention, fair compensation, and workload management at the forefront of workforce challenges, aligning employer-employee perspectives will be critical in shaping a sustainable and supportive work environment."
