Each year, the holiday season rolls around. This time of year plays host to Christmas, Hanukkah, and many other religious holidays. In Australia, we see Christmas everywhere we turn, and regardless of whether we celebrate Christmas or not, it isn’t easy to miss. As a result, shopping centres are packed with people looking to get their gifts, food and more in preparation for the holiday season. But there’s a population of people who can sometimes be taken for granted as we deal with the stresses of buying everything we need. And those people are retail workers.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, over 1.3 million people work in the retail sector, equating to Australia’s second-largest employment industry. Even though we’re inundated with retail options now that apps, websites, and social media are permeated with online shopping, we still share a fondness for shopping in person – especially for essentials like food. For perspective, the Australian Retailers Association reported in 2019 that almost 1 in 3 Aussies meander through shopping centres and retail stores. So, consumer behaviour can make a real difference to these key workers, particularly when people show respect and understanding. Keep reading to learn more about retail at Christmas…
The reality that many retail workers face during the holiday season
This time of year inherently engenders stress due to crowds, time constraints, cost of living pressures and the desire to complete our shopping swiftly. However, we sometimes forget that the person helping us isn’t to blame if something goes wrong. After all, they’re just workers trying to make a living.
”Retail Trust: “80% of shop workers and 90% of store managers have faced abusive incidents at work”.
The stark reality for many retail workers is that they face abuse throughout the year. The Retail Trust UK reported that 47% of retail workers say they “fear for their safety.” They also stated that the amount of abuse shop workers face rises during the holiday season. So, let’s look at why people may experience negative emotions during the festive shopping period…
Why people feel negative emotions when shopping
People can feel negative emotions for a plethora of reasons. There can be external influences in their life that make someone lash out. Or, it could be the angst and stress of festive shopping that gets people riled up. According to SafeWork SA, here are some reasons people get angry at retail workers:
- Limited business hours
- Product restrictions and low stock levels
- Conditions of entry
- General stress and anxiety, particularly around restricting budget and spending patterns
- Long ques and not enough staff during peak hours
- Lack of information
While these points are not justifications, they indicate why people in our community may have less patience. Nonetheless, limited staffing, business hours, conditions of entry, etc., are not the retail worker’s fault. So, being patient and compassionate can improve the entire experience for all involved.
How you can be kinder to retail staff
Many of us may be experiencing hardship in our lives, as will many retail staff. Situations can tip us over the edge, but it’s helpful if we stay cool, calm, and collected. So, here are some steps we can take to be kinder to retail staff:
- Keep your voice at a normal level, and try not to raise it
- Wait patiently and know that they’ll get you when they can.
- Understand that what could be annoying you is out of their control and influence.
- Retail staff don’t control the prices or stock levels, and more often than not, they don’t have the power to adjust prices. So, if something is out of stock or at a higher price than usual, bear in mind that this isn’t their fault.
- If you’re feeling agitated or angry, consider delaying that visit to the shops.
- During the holiday period, retail staff have to contend with a significantly busy time and often work longer hours, so be compassionate and empathetic.
- Shopping centres are usually open later during the festive season, so if you become agitated by crowds, consider visiting during quieter periods.
What retail staff can do to protect their mental wellbeing
The festive period can be significantly challenging. So, take a look at the points below – collated by Converge experts – to learn more about what you can do to shield your mental wellbeing:
- Be kind to yourself and your co-workers. You are all in this together. Consider showing some extra gestures of kindness and care towards each other.
- Some customers may have had a tough year. Many have experienced significant financial stress, sick relatives, and other pressures, which may mean their normal levels of resilience and general politeness may be strained. However, you should never take abuse. Consult your workplace policy to see what you can do should this situation arise.
- Practise self-care strategies that work for you. You know what keeps you calm and centred. For some, it is a fast walk, or tuning out and listening to music during breaks; for others it can be yoga, mindfulness exercises or a quiet walk in nature. Do what you know recharges your batteries.
- Finally, eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. This season can be difficult, so take extra care of yourself to ensure your wellbeing does not suffer.
Remember, Converge is always here to support you. If you need counselling, nutrition, or lifestyle support, we’re available anytime, anywhere. Book an appointment with one of our expert consultants via our website or the Converge App.
