Monday 20 August 2012

The demands and challenges of being a retail store manager: ‘Handcuffed to the front doors’

an article by Andrew Smith (University of Bradford) and Fiona Elliott (RetailCom) published in Work Employment & Society Volume 26 Number 4 (August 2012)

Abstract

This article presents a vivid account of the day-to-day reality of a female manager in a busy UK city centre food retail store.

Insights into some of the transformations in retail work are illuminated, namely restricted store budgets, lean staffing and a long-hours culture.

The combination of these factors has resulted in increasing workplace demands and time pressures, with health and well-being consequences.

This unique account enhances understandings of the twin challenges for managers in attempting to accommodate work-life balance for their staff and themselves personally. Despite these workplace pressures, the narrative is peppered with instances of practical and emotional concern and support.


No comments: