01 Jun 2007


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'Best in class' retail linked to workforce management

Leading technology provider the Aberdeen Group has revealed there is an unmistakable correlation between 'best in class' retailers and their proficient use of workforce management (WFM) strategies.

Aberdeen surveyed retailers from around the globe, and assessed them on improved labour cost containment, reduced employee turnover rates, improved operating profit and improved schedule effectiveness. The Workforce Management Benchmark Report reveals those retailers using WFM processes more effectively are reaping the benefits, with 80% meeting their labour turnover rate goals. The research also found ‘best in class’ retailers are 72% more likely to assess staff needs and development than ‘industry average’ retailers and ‘laggards’, and are 40% more likely to have established guidelines for workforce process and product training.
The ‘laggards’ are falling behind as a result of fragmented WFM solutions, according to Sahir Anand, Aberdeen’s retail research analyst.“This fragmentation is essentially due to several non-integrated WFM solutions deployed within the company, that lead to flawed interaction of labour, sales volume and customer traffic data for long-term labour forecasting and planning purposes,” explained Anand.
However, some of those dragging their heels are definitely ready to play catch up as Aberdeen has also reported 63% of those interviewed have investment in workforce management solutions penciled in for the next 12 to 24 months.

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