End-to-End Labor Optimization

Retailers face unprecedented challenges in workforce planning and execution, from high turnover rates to the need for advanced technology integration. To meet these challenges, retailers are investing in human capital management and workforce management systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, break down silos, and improve user experience. 

In this report, Leslie Hand, Group Vice President, IDC Retail and Financial Insights, explores how retailers can leverage technology for improved labor forecasting, recruitment, scheduling, and timekeeping, empowering retailers to align workforce strategies with business objectives. The paper explores how HCM and WFM software with AI-driven tools can predict staffing needs, identify skills gaps, and optimize scheduling, and 70% of retailers plan to leverage AI for HR within the next 12-18 months. By leveraging these advanced solutions, retailers can optimize labor costs, enhance employee satisfaction, and maintain high levels of customer service.

With end-to-end labor planning, retailers see millions in savings to their bottom line, as well as benefits across their people, including: 

• Operational efficiency and better alignment across organizations for enhanced collaboration in planning and forecasting 
• Real-time insights and better decision making for managers resulting in higher productivity and controlled labor costs 
• Greater engagement and job satisfaction for frontline workers, leading to increased customer satisfaction

This report provides key insights on how retailers can transform operations and stay ahead in a competitive market with investments in workforce management solutions.