Women in retail feel 'let down' with workplace well being

Women who work in a retail environment appear to be much more dissatisfied and unhappy with the current state of workplace wellbeing in comparison to their male counterparts, according to a recent research from ICM. Considering that 60 percent of the UK retail workforce consists of women, this state of unhappiness is critical for retailers.

The research, which had been commissioned by income protection specialist Unum, revealed that less than half of women currently working within the retail sector (47 percent) claim to feel "well looked after" by their employer, compared to 76 percent of men in the retail sector. Only 23 percent of the women surveyed in the retail sector stated they felt as if their well being had improved over the past three years, in comparison to 30 percent of men.

Women in the UK retail sector not "well looked after" by their employers.

In fact, nearly a third of women (32 percent) questioned responded the opposite and said that they felt their well being had declined over the past three years. With women making up more than half of the current workers in the retail segment and with the average cost of replacing an employee in this sector reaching over 20,000 pounds, Unum warns that retail HR directors should take heed and improve retail work well being for female employees.

“This research shows that retail companies face the very real risk of losing talented female workers if they don’t take steps to improve perceptions of wellbeing," commented Marco Forato, CMO of Unum. "With staff turnover costing, on average, 20,114 pounds per employee in the retail sector and women representing an important majority of the retail workforces, this is an issue retail businesses need to tackle now."

The research highlights a number of strategies which impact an individual's perception of wellbeing. When women in the retail sector were questions what they considered to be important for their wellbeing, 89 percent replied 'a good relationship with their line manager.' 84 percent responded 'reasonable hours' and 78 percent replies 'feeling empowered at work.' The study also noted that "one of the most tangible ways for employers to show they care" was by introducing a well rounded benefits package, which was important for 63 percent of women in the retail sector.