If That Employee Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy

Engaging Retail Employees

“Employees fall into three categories: fully disengaged, fully committed, and ‘it’s just a job,’” says Herb Cohen, a national retail consultant who helped teach the “employee empowerment” section of the Ritz-Carlton customer service training program. He says that “80 percent are in the third category. The retailers who do a good job give those neutral employees a chance to have fun at work, have some pride in the products … if employees find value in their work, they’ll add value to the business.” Here are some general tips from Cohen on helping retail employees feel engaged:

1. Survey your employees. Find out what they like and dislike about their jobs.