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How Smaller Retailers Can Use Technology to Compensate for Labor Shortages
By Gigi Lariosa , Philippines Country Lead , Zebra Technologies
The retail industry in the Philippines has been promising , as it experiences a high growth rate across various retail categories . In fact , the Philippines is one of the fastest growing markets in Southeast Asia with a 30 % increase from 2021 to 2022 . Additionally , retail e-commerce growth rates in the Philippines are set to surpass all other markets in the region . This retail success is driven primarily by increased supply chains and distribution , leading to greater accessibility to consumer products and services
But amidst the expected growth , retailers are subject to challenges like labor shortages or unexpected employee illness . For smaller retailers , closing their doors for even a few minutes can significantly affect revenue and challenge the loyalty of customers who are forced to shop elsewhere .
Technology can be the key to overcoming workforce challenges . Retail-ready solutions are instrumental in training new associates faster and encouraging upskilling of existing associates . These same solutions are essential in engaging and retaining younger employees – “ digital natives ” – as they make up an increasingly large percentage of the workforce .
Preparing for any reality
The retail sector has been hit hard by the “ Great Reshuffling ,” with employees leaving jobs for higher wages , more flexibility , and other perks . Reducing turnover retains institutional knowledge and improves the overall strength of the team . It can also yield significant savings for merchants even though it requires upfront investments in technology and staffing .
Further , enterprise software applications running on mobile devices and powered by the intuitive and familiar Android™ operating system are vital in speeding up new associate training and making managers and other staff members more accessible .
The devices can be loaded with video-on-demand software applications and other self-directed learning tools that support more effective on-the-job training . Instead of spending days shadowing colleagues , new hires can spend one day learning the ropes and then become self-sufficient the next . For example , if a retail associate forgets how to process payments , they can use their mobile device to access a step-by-step guide rather than consulting with a coworker .
Empowering employees
Opening late , closing early or staying closed for an entire day may be the only choice when running a business with a small team that suddenly becomes unavailable to work that day due to illness , transportation issues , or other uncontrollable factors . That is why smaller retailers must consider ways to manage and augment their workforce using technology .
The simple guidance provided via retail-ready mobility solutions enables easy upskilling and cross-training for current employees . With more training and powerful tools at their fingertips , employees can easily flex between different roles , from working stock in the backroom to delivering exceptional customer service on the floor . This helps fill scheduling vacancies and creates opportunities for associates to gain valuable experience . Additionally , workforce management software can give associates visibility into callouts if they want to pick up extra shifts and help keep the doors open . It can also allow them to submit time off requests and secure instant coverage , even last minute , without having to involve a manager . This helps reduce the risk of unexpected store closures due to staffing shortages .
Meeting the digital demands of workers
Developing a strong workforce for the future requires recruiting , empowering and retaining Millennial and Gen Z associates , the latter of which will comprise at least one-third of the American workforce by the year 2030 .
Gen Z is the first generation of truly digital natives . As they enter the workforce , they bring new expectations around technology , which puts even more pressure on small businesses to invest in solutions that support a more connected and productive workplace .
According to a study , 68 % of Gen Z employees state access to a mentor is an essential factor in choosing a role . Fortunately , with more devices in hand and streamlined communications , small business leaders can more effectively manage and mentor their younger workers , so they feel fully engaged and set up for success , which is key to securing employee loyalty .
To learn more about Zebra ’ s retail solutions , please visit HERE . Snap Inc . & Oxford Economics , Gen Z ’ s role in shaping the US digital economy https :// assets2 . brandfolder . io / bf-boulder-prod / wwgcwp45ghr nmtqj4sgrms9t / v / 52979086 / original / US _ Country _ Report . pdf
Hana Ben Shabat , “ Gen Z Planet ” https :// genzplanet . com /
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