WorkJam, the world’s leading digital frontline workplace, has released new survey findings* revealing that UK retailers are facing an impending workforce crisis. Over half (53%) have already frozen recruitment due to government budget constraints, and nearly 60% expect to implement redundancies within six months. As frontline teams confront increasing pressures, 76% of retailers acknowledge the need to improve workforce management, yet many lack the essential tools to support staff, optimize scheduling, and alleviate managerial burdens.

Despite nearly all retailers (98%) recognizing that employee experience directly affects customer satisfaction, many fail to equip their frontline teams with necessary resources. Only 14% offer flexible pay options, 22% enable shift swapping, and 21% provide no self-service digital workforce management tools. Most organizations continue relying on basic workforce management systems, widening the gap between operational demands and support available, jeopardizing both staff wellbeing and customer service.

For organizations considering investment in workforce management technologies, gaining corporate buy-in (31%) remains the biggest hurdle. Without these tools, companies miss out on smart, dynamic scheduling and self-service options that adapt shifts based on supply and demand. Empowering employees to manage shifts and easing managers' workloads boosts workforce engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity. This also enhances employee retention, reducing recruitment costs related to staff turnover.

Confidence in government assistance is also limited — 35% of retailers view the reduced Business Rates Relief scheme negatively, doubting its impact on managing rising costs. This outlook fuels expectations that sector pressures will continue, with 41% predicting ongoing strain on managers and 35% foreseeing further hiring freezes over the next six months.

“Given the pressure many UK retailers face, it is more crucial than ever that they embrace technical innovation,” said Mark Williams, Managing Director, EMEA, WorkJam. “By doing so, they can significantly improve engagement and motivation among frontline workers, forming a strategy for long-term sustainability.”

Explore HRTech360hub for the latest Tech Trends in Human Resources Technology.