Research also finds that 42 percent of retail workers have been in their role less than a year throwing job turnover back in the spotlight.

Over a quarter of employees working in the retail sector are considering a job change or have changed jobs in the past 12 months as a result of a poor working environment, according to figures released today. The research, conducted by RHR, the UK’s largest recruitment company specialising in the retail sector, found that 26 percent of retail workers pointed to the environment as the reasoning behind their desire to change jobs with 42 percent of those surveyed stating they have been in their job for less than a year. 

The research also found that although salary remains a key consideration for employees, other elements around management and recognition are almost as important; 18 percent said they left their most recent job as they didn’t think a promotion would happen whilst just 12 percent said they left as a result of seeking a better salary. At the other end of the scale, just one per cent cited their company’s benefit package as the reason for changing jobs. 

In terms of job longevity, just 12 percent of respondents said they have been in the same retail job for 5-9 years and 5 percent said they have been in the same job for a decade or more. With shop floor retail staff displaying one of the highest employee turnover rates of all industries in the UK, this highlights the struggle retailers face to attract and retain talent on the shop floor. 

Many retail workers also believe that, despite being happy in their current role, they should stay in a job for no more than two years in order to progress their career; 30 percent cited this as the case. This figure decreased slightly to 27 percent who said no more than three years whilst just 17 percent of those surveyed said they believe they should stay in their current role for no more than four years in order to fulfil their career goals. 

Peter Burgess, Director at RHR, comments: “People stay with companies that demonstrate value and care for their employees. Therefore, employers must start to see the value in nurturing their own talent, particularly when times are uncertain. This will unearth much-needed skills and agility. Training and development can become critical in ensuring that valued members of staff remain contented. In today’s increasingly challenging business world, companies across all industries and sectors have a choice of recruiting or nurturing their own talent. The latter, whilst perhaps more complex, will bring rewards in abundance to the individual and the business.”