As retailers struggle with staff shortages and increased consumer demand, new research from UKG has found that Singaporean retail workers are understaffed and feeling burnt out. The survey of 252 retail workers in Singapore found that 82 per cent of retailers cite being understaffed as the main reason for burnout.
Singapore’s retail sector is feeling the struggle, even with the benefits of AI. Feelings of burnout and being understaffed have profound impacts on employee retention and customer experience. In addition, the findings reveal Singapore’s retailers are seeking more flexibility in their work (65%) and are looking for a career change (60%). Despite technological advancements being adopted in Singapore’s retail sector, where 92 per cent of companies are already using AI to improve their day-to-day workflow and systems, a cycle of staffing instability may still occur.
Compared to its peers, Singapore is already leading the way in AI adoption in the workforce, with just 46 per cent of Australian retailers and 33 per cent of New Zealand retailers using AI. Of those in Singapore not already using AI, a significant 96 per cent of employees would like to use it if it meant improving their day-to-day experience at work.
UKG’s research suggests retail workers value more than just the financial benefits in their day-to-day at work. The findings reveal that 79 per cent of retail workers think that career development and career building opportunities are most important to them, highlighting the desire for more responsibilities at work. Additionally, retail workers highly value support from management (75%) and health and wellbeing (62%) whilst at work.
Alex Catteau, Vice President of Sales in Australia and New Zealand, said: “Our research suggests that there is a staff shortage crisis in Singapore’s retail sector. Employees are feeling this burden, and a portion are experiencing high stress and fatigue at work. “Retail managers that adopt systems and processes that streamline everyday activities can significantly improve these feelings of burnout and retain their greatest competitive advantage – their employees. “The retail sector in Singapore is leading the way in AI adoption and automation in their workplace, proving that automation not just a trend. It is a crucial evolution in the future of retail and can help to prevent burnout among employees.”
