2025. As the year 2010 approaches, workforce analysis and planning is critical for retailers. Rapidly changing market conditions, technological developments and economic uncertainty require companies to adopt smarter strategies. Accurate workforce analysis can help you identify current and future needs, enabling you to make informed decisions that ensure competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
1. Data collection and analysis
Data collection and analysis is the cornerstone of labour force analysis. Here are two concrete steps to implement in a trading company:
- Collecting quantitative data: in the retail sector, data on sales volumes and customer flows are collected at different times of the day and on different days of the week. For example, analysing how seasonal sales affect the need for working hours and which days require more manpower. This makes it possible to optimise schedules and to ensure that there are enough staff available at all times to service customers.
- Collect qualitative data: carry out regular employee satisfaction surveys and, where necessary, exit interviews. If employees complain about increased workload or dissatisfaction with shifts, this may indicate a need for redeployment or recruitment of additional staff. Such information will allow the necessary changes to be made to work organisation and improve job satisfaction.
2. Assessing future needs
A Future Needs Assessment will help you prepare for 2025 and beyond. Two concrete steps are:
- Scenario-based planning: if major changes are foreseen, model a scenario for them. For example, if you know that your company’s e-commerce share will increase significantly, for example from 30% to 5%, this means you will need more staff to pick and deliver orders. At the same time, the need for staff in the physical store may decrease. Plan accordingly to be prepared for staff redeployment and training.
- Mapping skills for the future: map what digital skills (e.g. e-commerce, online marketing) employees will need in the future and start developing them today. Training and becoming proficient in new skills takes time. This way, employees don’t fall behind the times and you keep up with the times, ensuring that employees are ready for changing demands.
3. Gap analysis and filling
Gap analysis can help identify where to develop or recruit. Two concrete steps are:
- Identifying skills gaps: the analysis may reveal that existing staff do not have sufficient knowledge in the desired area, for example in the field of digitalisation of customer service. In this case, plan training or recruitment to fill these gaps and ensure quality service in a changing environment.
- Filling staffing needs: if you find that there is a shortage of workers with certain skills, you could consider engaging a flexible workforce – for example, hiring flexible or part-time workers. This gives you the ability to respond quickly to market changes and ensure that your workforce needs are covered, even during peak season.
4. Technology integration
The use of technology can greatly simplify workforce analysis, planning and management. Here are two concrete steps:
- Use labour analytics software: use specialised labour analytics platforms that allow real-time data collection, processing and visualisation. These platforms can help forecast future labour needs, such as which months will require more workers and when labour costs can be reduced.
- Integrating cloud-based HR systems: where possible, deploy cloud-based HR systems to ensure data consistency and timeliness. These programmes allow access to data anytime and anywhere – including directly from the shop floor and warehouse – making it easier to make decisions and plan schedules.
Ready for 2025
Workforce analysis and planning is key to be successful in 2025. GoWorkaBit’s agile workforce solutions give you access to the people, platform and strategies to help manage costs, increase efficiency and maintain flexibility to meet changing market demands. By being prepared for the challenges of the future, you ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your business.