ACS publishes wellbeing guidance for convenience sector

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched new guidance for retailers and colleagues in the convenience sector, providing practical advice on how to support wellbeing for themselves.

Developed in collaboration with the What Works Centre for Wellbeing (WWCW), the Wellbeing Guide is aimed at retailers of all sizes and provides guidance about practical steps to take on the shop floor to improve staff retention and customer service via a healthy, engaged workforce.

The guide includes case studies from across the sector and covers wellbeing for independent retailers as business owners themselves.

“Convenience stores operate at the heart of our communities, offering local, flexible and secure jobs to hundreds and thousands of people across the UK. Now more than ever, it is vital that we turn our attention to the wellbeing of our staff to ensure that convenience stores are positive places for colleagues to work and for customers to visit,” James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said.

“We’re encouraging retailers to take a proactive approach to workplace wellbeing and we have developed this guidance to provide our sector with actionable steps that can be implemented within stores to support staff and maintain a happy, healthy and productive workforce. From the examples used in the guide, and the results of our colleague survey, we know that our members are getting a great deal right in promoting wellbeing. This guide pulls together that good practice and aims to spread it throughout the sector.”

Commenting on the guide, GroceryAid chief executive Steve Barnes said they have seen a huge increase in demand for emotional and wellbeing support.

“This guidance for independent retailers on how to support their colleagues could not come at a more crucial time. Checking in with colleagues, and knowing where to signpost them for help, is the best way to support them through one of the most challenging times the sector has ever experienced,” Barnes said, adding that the charity’s free, confidential Helpline is available 24/7 to all working in independent retailers and their spouses/partners.

The guide looks at eight key areas of wellbeing, which are: Working environment, Relationships and connections, Health, Learning, Work and life balance, Personal and purpose, Colleague voice and Personal finance.

"The quality of our job matters for our wellbeing, so maximising the conditions that help us thrive in the workplace is really important. We are pleased to have contributed our evidence on what works to improve workplace wellbeing to this excellent guide," Nancy Hey, executive director of the What Works Centre for Wellbeing, said.

"We hope it will support local store owners who have a vital role in serving their communities, never more so than over the last 18 months as they have also had to adapt to make sure that they can continue to do this while keeping their colleagues and customers safe."