Flexible Work: In What Industry Does It Matter Most?

You might guess technology. But that would be wrong.

Retail candidates top the list when it comes to valuing shorter work weeks and flexible shift patterns. In fact, twice as many retail candidates want part-time work than any other industry, and 31 percent of retail workers prefer to choose their own shifts vs. 18 percent across other industries, according to a new survey.
What’s more, flexible work outweighs compensation and benefits for retail candidates.
The survey, from ManpowerGroup Solutions, a leading RPO provider, and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), looks at retail candidate preferences.

Facing Competition

Its findings are particularly timely. Retail roles are the third hardest job to fill in the United States.
“Employers across the U.S. are experiencing talent shortages and retailers are not immune. The retail industry is competing for workers who seek new ways of working, value flexibility and the ability to choose their own schedule,” said Jim McCoy, vice president of ManpowerGroup Solutions RPO and global practice leader. “To attract the brightest and best, employers need to develop an attractive employer brand and demonstrate that they can offer people flexibility, the option to better blend work and home, and the opportunity to develop their skills.”
“As one of the nation’s largest employers providing careers and opportunities to over 42 million Americans, the retail industry must continue to adopt hiring practices that offer employees the balance and flexibility they crave,” said Evan Armstrong, vice president of Government Affairs at Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). “We are pleased to partner with ManpowerGroup Solutions to help the industry innovate as the marketplace for job seekers becomes more tech-forward and candidates are prioritizing flexible and innovative work arrangements.”

Engaging Candidates

ManpowerGroup Solutions shares recommendations to engage candidates in the lead up to the busy retail holiday season and beyond:

• Limber Up. Retail candidates value flexible working, and that’s not just part-time jobs. Prioritizing workplace flexibility, supported by technology, will enable managers and employees to have a say in scheduling.
• Diversify. Apply your market segmentation strategy to recruiting employees. Programs targeted at specific groups will open up new talent pools. For example, attract students with a well-crafted, flexible, term-time offer to build a steady pipeline of workers with in demand skills.
• Collaborate. The retail industry depends on a part-time workforce to meet seasonal demands, and collaborative hiring platforms and communities – like ManpowerGroup Solutions’ WorkMyWay network – provide access to on-tap talent seeking flexibility.
• Ping and Push. Sixty-seven percent of retail candidates want to be contacted two to four times per month by potential employers. With 86 percent of retail candidates using Facebook and 52 percent on Instagram, social media is an effective and efficient way to keep your brand front of mind, and push information about job opportunities to candidates.