This Episode: You Need A Deep Bench This Holiday Season
In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to explore the critical importance of having a deep bench this holiday season. Not exactly sure what that means? Watch now to find out!
And, as always, I’d love to know what you think, so please leave me a comment down below.
Great reminder Bob. You are absolutely correct. I usually think of this by the time it’s too late! Maybe even hiring specifically back room employees to help with orders for curbside pick up and shipping so the sales staff can be selling! Great tip!
How do you find employees with the flexibility to be on “the bench?” We usually find people who need a certain number of hours per week, and if we can’t provide that each and every week they find other employment. At that point, they are no longer flexible enough to give us more hours when needed, or they simply leave for that other job.
And how does the “hot prospects” file work? In the past we have found that the people who really want to work have generally found a job elsewhere by the time we call.
Lisa,
It’s all about constantly recruiting. It’s never-ending. Recognize it’s a numbers game. More people applying, better people applying… continuously. The “Hot Prospects File” works the same way… the fatter the file, the more likely someone will still be looking.
If you have the Retail Mastery System go to the Staff Development Module. You’ll find LOTS of information about recruting.
Bob
I’m still waiting for 4 of my original core pre covid tto return. I’m finding it hard to consider hiring high school kids because there is only 1 day a week they would be available to work/train. And our local college kids all leave for a long break this year for holiday and would be zero help for holiday. So while we know what we should be doing our pick field is lean
Amy,
If the field is lean, constant recruiting becomes even more important. Never take off your recruiting hat!
I’m still waiting for 4 of my original core pre covid tto return. I’m finding it hard to consider hiring high school kids because there is only 1 day a week they would be available to work/train. And our local college kids all leave for a long break this year for holiday and would be zero help for holiday. So while we know what we should be doing our pick field is lean
Thanks for re enforcing what we know we should do and coaching us in a realistic yet positive way.
You’re welcome Lori! BTW… I just placed an order yesterday (:
We are a non profit hospital gift shop and are struggling to get our volunteers to come back. I agree with your advice and hope to have a great Fall/Christmas season. Thank you for your comments.
You’re welcome Lori!
We have been working exactly in this direction! Thank you for reinforcing my suspicions.
You’re welcome Linda! Keep up the good work!