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Technology is Helping Grocers Strengthen the Workforce

Is the grocery labor shortage coming to a close? A recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is suggesting food retailers are making strides in hiring more workers. Just this August, food and beverage stores added 14,600 jobs with the total number of employees hitting more than 3.2 million – boosting employment levels for the third month in a row. 

As effective recruitment efforts continue to pay off, grocers are shifting their focus toward building a skilled workforce and maintaining employee satisfaction. In doing so, food retailers are relying on technology for training, performance tracking, and operations. Keeping up with modern innovations in your store can not only boost efficiency but also help immerse your employees in your store’s culture and vision.

To build skilled labor, major food retailers are investing in gamified online training programs to increase engagement and better fit the way they work. The platforms allow workers to use personalized training modules in “bite-sized” increments that can be completed throughout their shifts. This approach allows employees to continue training through experience as opposed to the traditional one-size-fits-all approach.

Grocery stores using innovative store management software can keep track of their employees’ training progress along with daily performance within one application. This allows store managers to use data to help them better understand what’s working and what can be improved. 

As technology advances, grocers are learning how workers can make the best use of their time and skillset. Automation, for example, can be used throughout the store to streamline front and backend operations. Electronic self-tags help workers save time by facilitating dynamic pricing so they can focus their efforts on helping customers. Some retailers are looking into utilizing aisle-scanning robots to automate inventory tracking as well. Overall, automation helps staff focus their efforts on improving the overall shopping experience for their customers.

Whether you’re looking to better train your workers or boost store management, grocery technology is the best way to make your store more appealing to customers and your staff. Count on the professionals at STCR to evaluate your needs and help bring your grocery store to the next level. Request a demo to get started!