Editor’s comment: All work and no play

The report highlights just how hard retailers have been working over the last 12 months to keep their communities going and make sure there is enough product on-shelf for their customers. This has involved not only having to constantly adapt to keep pace with the changing phases of the pandemic, staff shortages and the latest advice on social distancing, but also continually seeking out new sources of supply.

Whether finding alternative suppliers nearby or trawling round the local the cash and carries, the period has seen retailers start their days even earlier than usual and often finish late into the night.

Nor has there been much downtime. The ACS report found 49% of independent convenience store owners have worked every day over the last year, doubling the total from the previous 12 months, when the figure reporting they took no days off was just 24%.

The fact that the last fortnight also saw the launch by the ACS of its first-ever Wellbeing Guide is therefore extremely timely. The guide focuses on ways to keep employees happy and healthy and therefore improve staff retention, but store owners should not forget to take care of themselves too.

At the launch of the guide, independent retailer Harj Dhasee conceded his work/life balance has been poor. “There’s so much planning to do, you just don’t have time to disconnect,” he said. “Your mind is always ticking over.”

His strong advice was to take a break of at least four or five days in order to give yourself time to recharge your batteries and come back rejuvenated, something he had done himself earlier this year. It’s advice well worth heeding. After the past 18 months, you deserve it.

By David Shrimpton, Editor