Retail workers are UK’s 'most-appreciated deskless employees'

Retail employees feel most appreciated by their managers and are more likely to recommend a career in the industry to others – compared to those working in hospitality, warehousing, transport and distribution, states a recent study.

According to study by workforce management specialists Quinyx, UK retail staff increasingly feel valued by their bosses – two thirds (64 per cent) believe their work is appreciated, up from 57 per cent in 2022.

Only half of employees (53 per cent) in logistics-focused roles – including shipping, distribution, transport and warehousing – feel the same, while 60 per cent of hospitality workers consider themselves valued while on the job.

The research revealed that three quarters of shop staff (78 per cent) received a pay rise in the last year, with one in five (21 per cent) offered a financial boost of 10 per cent or above. And over half (53 per cent) plan to stay in their current role for three years or more.

Retail employees are also more likely than other sector workers to believe their job provides career development opportunities – 65 per cent credited their organisations for offering room for growth, compared to 55 per cent of those in logistics and 57 per cent in hospitality roles. Three in five shop staff (61 per cent) would recommend a retail career to others, citing the variety of the job as the main reason for a recommendation (32 per cent).

Flexibility is greater in retail than other industries, according to the Quinyx study. 60 per cent of retail employees have a say on the hours they work, compared to 55 per cent of hospitality workers and 50 per cent of those in logistics-based roles.

Simon Sykes, Quinyx’s UK country manager said: “It’s really encouraging that retail workers feel appreciated and would recommend the industry to others – pay is always a huge factor when it comes to job satisfaction of course, but feeling valued and having opportunities for career progression are also highly significant.

“Amidst ongoing economic instability, employers must consider the ‘bigger picture’ of employee engagement and check whether the whole package they’re offering to staff – pay, career development, flexibility, a welcoming environment – is enough to build loyalty and not have them looking elsewhere.