Growing the 21st Century Retail Workforce

As the nation’s largest private-sector employer, retail supports more than 52 million American jobs across our inclusive ecosystem. From first starts, second chances, and lifelong careers, retail provides flexibility, upward mobility, and the power to choose one’s path more than any other industry.  

Leading retailers are building a 21st-century retail workforce that is inclusive, innovative, and skilled. To build this powerful workforce, leading retailers are committed to recruiting and retaining talent with innovative approaches to staffing, scheduling, benefits, and culture.   

RILA advocates for forward-thinking workplace policies at both the state and federal levels that reflect the preferences and policies we know retail employees prioritize. As the demands of the workforce change, it is imperative that retailers and public policy change as well.

Promoting Flexibility

The modern economy has seen the emergence of technologies that have empowered millions of Americans to work independently, allowing individuals to choose when, where, and how they work. Disrupters like Uber, Roadie, and Upwork are taking advantage of this evolution by providing new ways of working outside of traditional models. As a result, retail workers' expectations are changing, and retailers' opportunities to provide more services to consumers and offer greater flexibility to workers are evolving. Research shows that flexible scheduling is a key reason millions of Americans choose to work in retail. From students to seniors, and everyone in between, those seeking part-time employment enjoy the flexibility that retail provides.  

Additionally, retail consumers are expecting more from retail brands — whether it’s executing last-mile delivery, fulfilling orders, or serving customers in stores — retailers are exploring new approaches to talent. However, U.S. workplace and labor laws are woefully outdated, restricting innovative working relationships and hampering workers' economic opportunities. Today’s retail talent seeks greater autonomy, which is more accessible in the gig economy. Therefore, a modern public policy approach is needed that benefits workers and consumers, allowing retailers to compete more effectively for talent and sales. 

Unfortunately, federal departments and agencies are proposing rulemakings that endanger modern workplace initiatives that provide opportunities for all Americans to find meaningful and rewarding work. These regulatory efforts will curtail worker privacy, limit access to important workplace information, and reduce flexibility, thereby enshrining outdated policies that restrict employer-employee relationships and hamper workers' economic opportunities.

The status quo is changing, and so must our approach to moving the needle on these issues. Through thought leadership, community, and legislative engagement, RILA will ensure that policymakers at all levels not only understand but also promote policies that foster positive change and empower individuals throughout the workforce.