Aussie retail workers have the wrong tools for the job

A recent survey of Aussie retail workers has revealed that a large cohort would like to use AI and automation tools if it meant improving their daily working experience.

UKG’s new research has shown that AI and automation are being increasingly recognised for their potential value in retail spaces. According to the survey, 57 per cent of retail workers want to use AI and automation more in the workplace, and 57 per cent want to use AI to improve their staff management processes by automating monotonous tasks like time, attendance, and leave accruals.

The research also showed that workers in the retail space would like to use AI in the workplace to automate inventory management (51 per cent) and scheduling processes (48 per cent).

The common theme here is that workers, especially in the retail space, see the potential for AI to take over those job tasks that are incredibly monotonous and repetitive in nature. By deploying AI to handle those tasks, the daily working routine could improve. However, despite AI becoming increasingly common in many other sectors of the Australian workforce, retail companies are still behind the eight ball.

With Aussie workers – especially in the retail space – feeling the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis, burnout has been widespread as workers are pushing themselves with extra jobs and hours to make ends meet. In fact, the survey found that a quarter of Australian retail workers feel burnt out in their current roles.

Alex Catteau, UKG vice president of sales in Australia and New Zealand, said: “Our research has found that there is a desire in the Australian retail workforce to use AI to improve employees’ day-to-day experience at work.”

According to UKG’s research, adopting automation and AI processes at work is crucial in alleviating stress and improving job satisfaction.

“Adopting systems and processes that streamline everyday activities can significantly improve feelings of stress, burnout, and fatigue, all of which contribute to a dire situation for both retail workers and managers,” Catteau said.

“As we navigate the rapidly advancing AI landscape, it is evident that automation is not just a trend; it’s a crucial evolution in the retail workforce landscape. This shift addresses increasing numbers of those experiencing burnout or fatigue at work and positions retailers to thrive against competitors.”