The challenge
As the holiday season approached, a major nationwide retail chain faced a series of staffing challenges that threatened to impact its peak period performance. Working hours were set to increase from 2,000 to 5,000 per week throughout December, presenting a significant logistical hurdle.
While seasonal staffing increases are common in retail, several factors combined to make this year particularly challenging. Ongoing public transport strikes disrupted employee commutes, especially impacting stores in remote locations. This was compounded by a mismatch between shift times and available transport options, potentially creating coverage gaps during crucial operating hours.
The retail chain also encountered difficulties in recruiting for remote areas, where the local talent pool was limited. The need to quickly onboard a large number of new staff, many lacking retail experience, added another layer of complexity. Lastly, the unpredictable nature of the holiday season, with frequent last-minute shift changes due to illnesses, required a high degree of flexibility in staffing arrangements.
While these challenges were not unprecedented in the retail sector, their combination and scale posed a significant threat to store operations, customer service quality and overall performance during the critical Christmas period.
The solution
Confronted with this challenge, our team devised a comprehensive strategy that addressed each facet of the problem while remaining adaptable to changing circumstances. Our solution was built on six key pillars: skills development, transportation solutions, shift coordination, recruitment initiatives, a flexible hiring process and robust contingency planning.
1. Skills development
Our primary focus was ensuring that the influx of new hires wouldn’t compromise service quality. We implemented a dual approach to skills enhancement. For early applicants, we created and delivered comprehensive training programs covering all job aspects, from product knowledge to customer interaction techniques. This intensive preparation aimed to rapidly equip new hires, enabling them to contribute effectively during the peak holiday period.
For later recruits with limited training time, we adopted a strategic placement approach. These individuals were carefully distributed among stores with a higher concentration of seasoned staff. This allowed newer employees to learn on the job, guided by experienced colleagues who could offer mentorship. By balancing the distribution of veteran and novice staff, we maintained operational efficiency across all locations while integrating a substantial number of new hires.
2. Transportation solutions
To tackle the significant transit challenges, we implemented a diverse approach. For candidates residing outside public transport routes or those with unconventional shift times, we arranged dedicated taxi services. This ensured reliable commutes for employees, regardless of their location or work schedule.
During periods of public transport strikes, we organised group pick-ups from central locations. This not only guaranteed employee attendance but also fostered camaraderie among staff members. We took the additional step of ensuring all our consultants had appropriate car insurance for transporting candidates, providing a flexible and dependable transportation solution adaptable to evolving circumstances.
3. Shift coordination
Recognising that transportation issues couldn’t be resolved through external solutions alone, we collaborated closely with individual stores to adjust shift start and end times. This flexibility allowed us to accommodate transport limitations and ensure employees could reliably commute using available public transportation options.
In addition to modifying shift times, we implemented a system of coordinated group drop-offs and pick-ups. This maximised efficiency by allowing multiple employees to be transported simultaneously, reducing costs and logistical complexity. By carefully orchestrating these group transports, we ensured consistent staffing levels throughout operating hours while minimising strain on individual employees.
4. Recruitment initiatives
To address the scarcity of available candidates, particularly in remote areas, we launched a series of targeted hiring campaigns. We organised open days at job centres throughout Northern Ireland, focusing on sourcing local talent for outlying store locations. These events not only allowed us to tap into regional talent pools but also helped forge relationships with communities in these areas.
We also introduced a refer-a-friend bonus programme, incentivising existing employees to recommend qualified candidates. This approach leveraged the local knowledge and networks of our current staff, helping us identify potential hires already familiar with the area and its unique challenges.
Recognising the potential of the student workforce, we targeted those home for the holidays. This strategy provided us with a pool of motivated, short-term workers who could help cover the peak festive period. Additionally, we leveraged candidates from other clients that closed during Christmas, offering employment opportunities for these individuals while meeting our staffing needs.
5. Flexible hiring process
Understanding that many potential candidates had other commitments, we implemented an adaptable recruitment process. This included conducting open evenings and weekends for interviews and assessments, allowing candidates to engage with the hiring process at times that suited their schedules. This flexibility not only broadened our potential candidate pool but also demonstrated our commitment to accommodating the needs of our workforce from the outset of their employment journey.
6. Contingency planning
To manage the unpredictable nature of staffing during the holiday season, we developed robust backup plans. We created a comprehensive availability list for unexpected absences, ensuring we always had a pool of workers ready to step in at short notice. This system allowed us to swiftly fill gaps caused by illness or other unforeseen circumstances, maintaining consistent staffing levels even in challenging situations.
We also implemented a mechanism to redistribute staff across locations when needed. This agile approach ensured balanced coverage across all stores, allowing us to respond rapidly to changing needs and prevent any single location from becoming understaffed.
The result
Our strategic approach delivered significant results for both the client and candidates. We achieved a 96% fulfilment rate in populated areas and 92% in rural locations, ensuring consistent staffing across all stores. This helped the client maintain appropriate stock levels and optimise sales during the peak season.
For candidates, our innovative transportation solutions ensured that those reliant on public transport didn’t lose earnings, despite ongoing strikes and timetable misalignments. This commitment to employee welfare contributed to maintaining high staff morale during a stressful period, which in turn positively influenced customer service quality.
Our agile absence management system proved highly effective, with rapid response times ensuring no stores were left understaffed due to unexpected illnesses. This operational consistency was crucial in maintaining high standards across all locations, further supporting the client’s sales and reputation in local communities.
In summary, our comprehensive strategy not only met the immediate staffing needs but also contributed to the client’s profitability and employee satisfaction, demonstrating our ability to deliver impactful solutions in challenging retail environments.