Unit 155 Understanding how individuals and teams contribute to the effectiveness of a retail business

Learning Objectives By the end of the session you will: State the key employment rights and responsibilities of employees and employers Describe the characteristics of effective team working in retail business. List a range of activities for improving own skills and performance

Your role in a retail organisation As a retail employee, you will work on your own as well as in a team. So its important to know; What your duties are What the duties of other members of the team are Who you should report to You will find this information on your: Contract of Employment Job Description

Employment contracts A contract of employment is an agreement between the employer and the employee. Employment contracts are legally binding on both the employer and employee and serve to protect each other’s rights and responsibilities. The contract outlines the terms and conditions of employment; it can be verbal or in writing.

Employment contracts

The purpose of a contract To comply with the law To safeguard the employee and the employer To clarify the terms and conditions of employment To document roles, responsibilities and duties

Contracts include Job Title Conditions of Employment - hours, sickness, holiday, location Probationary Period Notice required Pay

The Equality Act 2010 This Act makes it illegal to discriminate against people because of: Gender identity and gender reassignment Marriage or civil partnership (in employment only) Age Disability Pregnancy and maternity Race Religion or belief Sex Sexual orientation

Team Definition A team is a group of people working together towards a common goal.

Team Decision Making Agreement seeking Brainstorming Seeking ideas Collaboration Co-operation Equal Input Voting Ranking ideas and solutions Leader responsible for decision

Working Together Clarifying the goals Allocation of specific roles Creation of a plan Use of the skills of individuals Division into sub-groups Communication and conflict resolution Discussion and agreement

Team Communication Communication strategy Everyone has the opportunity to put forward their ideas/reasons Listening and questioning Respect for others

Team Planning Estimate time and resources required Create a schedule of tasks Allocate tasks to appropriate team members Renegotiate times and responsibilities as task progresses

The Qualities of a Good Team Member Reliable Listens Communicates well Actively participates Shares and collaborates Flexible Committed Respectful of others

Levels of responsibilities in a retail team Store Manager - responsible for the day-to-day operations (or management) of a retail store. Assistant Store Manager - supports the manager with the day-to-day operations of a retail store. Senior Sales Assistant – responsible for overseeing other sales assistants working on the shop floor Sales Assistant - responsible for undertaking duties, mainly on the shop floor, such as customer service.

Benefits to the Business Working to a common goal Different skills in the team helps to complete a wide range of tasks Team plans and responsibilities ensure that less easy or less liked tasks get done Profitability and productivity can be increased Increased morale leads to lower staff turnover Objectives are met Efficiency is improved The business can be more competitive

Benefits to Team Members Teams who work well together are more likely to thrive and perform well in stressful situations Help and support Good communication Co-operation Motivations and good morale Feeling valued.

Benefits to Customers Cohesive, professional and friendly teams create a welcoming atmosphere that make customers feel at ease. Teams who act aggressively or snidely with each other can create a hostile store atmosphere that drives customers away. Solid teamwork can give customers the impression that store employees work together, making them more likely to ask team members for guidance or engage team members in conversation.

Learning and development The official and ongoing learning an organisation delivers to enhance the fulfilment and performance of employees.

Developing staff - benefits to a retail business Better trained staff Increased efficiency Increased staff motivation and morale Increased sales and profitability Lower staff turnover

Developing staff - benefits to employees Staff Engagement Individual ownership Potential for promotion Job satisfaction

Reviewing and improving employee skills Appraisal/ Review Schemes Personal development plans Training needs analysis Training and development Goal setting

Unit 155 Understanding how individuals and teams contribute to the effectiveness of a retail business