Staff can be one of the strongest drivers of resource efficiency in a retail business, as long as they are informed and involved.
To be successful, efficiency should become a part of everyday work and not an additional project.
Highlight the importance of retail resource efficiency
Associate resource efficiency with things staff are interested in, for example, job security, comfort at work, and pride in the business.
You could explain how reducing energy, water, and waste helps cut operating costs and maintain competitiveness.
Provide clear roles and routines
Give employees simple, specific tasks by role, for example, checklists for switching lights on/off, or merchandising rules to minimise damaged stock.
You can then build these actions into standard operating procedures.
Involve staff in generating ideas
Create easy channels for staff to suggest ways to save energy, reduce waste, or improve layouts, such as a physical suggestion box, short huddles, or digital forms.
Act on good ideas quickly and visibly so people can see this, for example, changing bin locations based on staff feedback.
Train and upskill staff
Provide practical training on topics like efficient use of refrigeration and lighting, correct stock rotation to avoid waste, and using store systems to reduce paper and manual checks.
Refresh this training regularly and include examples in broader customer service or product knowledge sessions so that it feels integrated into the whole business.
Motivate staff engagement
Set simple metrics, for example, waste per week, energy use compared with last year, or percentage of unsold stock donated or returned.
Recognise individuals or teams when targets are met, or ideas are implemented, using employee recognition or small rewards.
Communicate and give feedback
Provide regular team updates on resource efficiency performance and highlight what is working.
Use simple visuals so staff can see progress at a glance and understand how their actions affect results.
