Introduction
Working in the retail industry involves significant tension and psychological pressure as trade formulate high competition. In addition, trading implies close contact with the customers, and it is necessary to find an approach to clients and be able to win over. Retail trade also articulates high pressure on the company’s employees, as they are given ambitious goals and responsible tasks. It includes continuous improvement and elaborating on relevant development strategies, and facing difficulties. All this can lead to stress and the appearance of mental health issues for both employees and management. Thereby, the purpose is to analyze the best working conditions for working in retail, using the Walmart network as an example, and propose an inclusive operating environment for those who have mental health issues.
The Effects of Working Retail on the Mental Health
Work-related stress problems are one of the most common among workers around the world. These include fatigue, irritability, depression, communication problems, and other mental issues. The reason for this may be the developing globalization and the pace of life, and the increased load on the human brain due to developing technologies. Previously, people were hunting and gathering, so the focus was only on physical activity and a few tasks. It involved repelling an attack by an enemy or an animal, finding and killing the prey, butchering it, and bringing it to the shelter. Nowadays, a person performs difficult tasks, especially given the IT or scientific sectors, where the human brain has a special load.
Besides, it is worth mentioning the information load in the modern world for the human brain. The Internet, smartphones, radio, and television have led to the fact that people are in a constant stream of news and information. Again, if compared with previous eras, then there was an ‘informational silence’, one learned the news from stories or letters. Moreover, in the past, people were more likely to stay alone with themselves in nature when they traveled or hunted. Today, one is in constant contact with the information shell of the Earth, which also leads to a load on the brain. All this, given the high workload at work, leads to the appearance of psychological disorders. Based on this, the development of more suitable working conditions is an urgent task.
The problems associated with the mental health of employees are important for the company’s management. It is due to the fact that the unfavorable condition of employees negatively affects the operation and development of the business (Bulger et al., 2020). In addition, it can lead to a constant necessity to provide new human resources, which is costly for the company. In retail, high employee turnover leads to reduced work efficiency as new employees must be trained and instructed, which takes time and resources. Thus, maintaining a suitable work environment is one of the main challenges for management.
Furthermore, issues associated with workers lead to problems and additional stress for management. It is formulated by the fact that the solution to all the main strategic tasks is the leadership’s responsibility. Accordingly, the authorities must also solve all the problems that may arise in connection with the inappropriate working mode of employees. It leads to increased tension, psychological pressure, and, as a result, problems with the management’s mental health (Bulger et al., 2020). Heightened responsibility can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, inability to relax, and, consequently, overload. Thus, the problem of working conditions is common for both employees and management.
In this case, Walmart is considered the world’s largest wholesale and retail chain, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. The main regions of activity are the territories of the USA and Mexico, however, the network has its branches in South America, Japan, Canada, and China. Under the Walmart brand, there are both hypermarkets and supermarkets that sell food and industrial goods. The main strategy is low prices, tending to wholesale, and a wide range of goods. Thus, due to low prices, Walmart covers a large part of price-sensitive customers. In addition, it is convenient that one can find any necessary thing in one place, which also attracts new buyers. In addition, Walmart actively uses RFID tag technology to track products and optimize logistics structures.
Creating Better Working Environment in Walmart
Given the focus on a high number of buyers, working at Walmart is associated with some difficulties for employees and management. For example, cashiers are in contact with hundreds of customers every day, which implies the possibility of conflict situations. It formulates a mental tension that can lead to problems in the future. In addition, cashiers, like other employees, must be aware of conflict-leveling techniques and communication strategies with customers. In addition, given the number of products, the complexity of logistics systems, and the size of the company, high responsibility also falls on the other employees. For example, department heads, team leaders, loaders, managers, cleaners, and others. The main problem is the psychological pressure associated with the pace of work and the volume of tasks assigned to them.
Considering all the above factors, the development of proposals for improving the working environment for retail employees in general and for Walmart workers is a crucial task. Primarily, it will include methods for optimizing the work and the distribution of responsibilities depending on the position (Bulger et al., 2020). Further, motivation is the most important aspect of the work of the company, with the help of which it is possible to increase the efficiency of performance and profit. Thus, tactics will be developed to increase motivation, morale, and commitment to the company of Walmart employees. Finally, the ability to solve the problems that have arisen associated with the workflow is an urgent factor as well. Consequently, decision-making and problem-solving techniques will be proposed using the example of Walmart employees.
Creating a better work environment includes increasing motivation, as it directly affects the well-being of employees and the efficiency of the company. In this case, the motivation of retail and Walmart employees is divided into three main groups, namely direct material motivation, moral motivation, and non-material motivation. Direct material motivation includes methods to encourage employees to use commercial aspects (Bulger et al., 2020). Namely, the percentage of sales of goods or services, the bonus for meeting or exceeding the plan, the reward for honest work without violations, and the premium for achieving individual goals. This is the most efficient method since the material values have significant meaning for employees.
Moral motivation, although being less effective than material motivation, is still essential. It includes written gratitude for the work done, verbal praise from superiors, contests, and competitions. In addition, moral motivation implies a board of honor, additional days off, a certificate of the best employee, corporate parties and holidays, and joint tea parties. In this case, although the employee does not receive material benefits, one gets a charge of motivation, which increases loyalty to the company. Besides, these methods demonstrate the appropriate leadership style and building good relationships with employees. Finally, it strengthens the team and contributes to the improvement and building of contacts within the team.
Non-material motivation, although it does not bring direct material benefits to the employee, is useful for an individual as well. It includes, for example, the provision of various bonuses for the employee, such as overalls, payment for moving or a travel card, and payment for a personal connection. In addition, it can also involve discounts on the purchase of goods in the store, in the case of working in the trade. Finally, one may offer training or internships that are paid or favorable health insurance terms. The latter is the most common and relevant in the US since health insurance is an important aspect. Thus, the provision of medical assurance is a significant motivating factor in attracting new employees.
Thereby, creating a better working environment in Walmart may involve a combination of the abovementioned aspects. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a democratic leadership style that includes the most comfortable conditions. For example, each employee can offer one’s own vision in decision-making at the strategic level. Besides, the team leader communicates with employees as equals, and instead of an orderly tone, a proposal or request is used. The leader demonstrates a willingness to complete the task by oneself before suggesting that someone from the team perform it. Finally, informal meetings are constantly held where the person has the opportunity to express their complaints, ideas, or suggestions about the work process. All points will be heard by the leader and superiors, which significantly increases the motivation of employees and the desire to work.
Considering the high workload and responsibility of workers due to the pace of work at Walmart, one needs to conduct regular training. It will increase workers’ skill level and hence their self-confidence and courage in developing ideas (Bulger et al., 2020). In addition, employees will perform their duties more professionally. Training is important for motivation as the worker will feel that the company is interested in him. Moreover, one feels a surge of motivation when one demonstrates good work results, and there is a desire for development and more significant performance improvement (Bulger et al., 2020). It is worth mentioning that in the conditions of work at Walmart, such training should include the elaboration of stressful and unforeseen situations. For example, one may simulate a situation for the head of the department where many employees did not come to work so that one would demonstrate the ability to distribute duties depending on the situation.
Further, cooperation and support are significant factors for a good working environment, motivation, and job satisfaction. It implies the ability of each employee to ask for help if one is unable to complete a task. The worker should not be afraid that one will be fined or fired because one cannot do something. On the contrary, the employee should be sure that in case of difficulties, the team will show support. In the case of Walmart, team leaders may implement a system of rewards for showing support and cooperation. Premium will increase the motivation of employees to help each other and the desire to develop to be aware of the main points of all aspects of the work. In addition, cooperation will enhance overall efficiency since it will take less time to overcome the difficulties encountered.
A separate point of a good working environment that should be highlighted is the safety of the workplace and the working process of employees. Ensuring safety at work is not only a legal requirement but also a factor on which the profitability of a business depends (Bulger et al., 2020). It is due to the fact that the feeling of insecurity in the workplace can lead to dismissal and, as a result, high employee turnover. In turn, it will be costly for Walmart as training new employees take time and resources. In addition, a safe workplace increases job satisfaction and formulates a workplace retention factor. Safety factors should include the provision of necessary equipment if necessary, such as hard hats in the cargo area or respirators in dusty areas. In addition, only trained personnel should be allowed to perform duties involving certain hazards or special skills.
Finally, another important factor in creating good working conditions is equality and fairness. Every employee must be treated equally regardless of race, skin color, gender, gender identity, religion, preferences, lifestyle, and other factors. Nowadays, people often face discrimination in the workplace, and promoting equality will greatly increase job satisfaction. Further, unfair distribution of duties or dishonest evaluation of work significantly reduces work gratification, up to and including dismissal. Therefore, one has to demonstrate equality and fairness in the assignment of duties and wages. It should include meritorious bonuses, working hours not exceeding the norm, consideration of merit and experience in the company, and other aspects. Moreover, the employer must ensure that new employees are treated fairly and are not assigned unnecessary duties, that is, avoid ‘hazing’.
Inclusive Environment for Employees with Mental Health Issues
Creating an inclusive environment for employees with mental health issues is a complex and essential task. It is due to the fact that, depending on the degree of problems, one should be provided with unique conditions. In other words, it is necessary to choose such working conditions that would not be discriminatory, however, so that the employee can perform his duties effectively. In addition, an inclusive environment implies close contact between people who have mental health issues and people who do not. Thus, it is necessary to make sure that such contact can be established and cooperation takes place in an appropriate way. An employee with mental health issues should be placed in an environment where one will not be subjected to too much stress, however, at the same time, one should feel that one does valuable work and is essential for the company.
The information aspect is necessary to create suitable inclusive conditions for employees with mental health issues. It implies open, accessible, and understandable information for both employees without mental health problems and employees with mental issues about the appropriate workflow. Information can be provided in the form of video instructions sent to each worker individually, conferences, meetings, or oral presentations. In addition, it is necessary to inform employees about the aspects of communication and cooperation with people suffering from mental health problems. There are many different techniques for staff and superiors to help avoid discrimination and stigma. Besides, by using information-based methodologies, one can increase job satisfaction and employee motivation. It will also improve collaboration and workflow efficiency between employees with mental health issues and those without them.
Furthermore, providing an appropriate support structure for employees with mental health problems is necessary. Today, there are many ways to provide suitable conditions, such as free yoga classes to relax and relieve stress. In addition, it is necessary to ensure unhindered access to a psychologist or psychotherapist in the workplace. It will be useful both for employees with mental health issues and for employees without them, as therapy will allow them to speak out and listen to the necessary advice. In addition, a psychologist is a crucial way to overcome overload in case of high tension at work. Moreover, one may initiate the creation of special support groups for employees, which will include active listening and advice. All this will contribute to maintaining a high level of job satisfaction and morale for employees suffering from mental health issues.
An inclusive mental health environment for Walmart employees also includes a focus on smooth work-life combination rather than a strict balance. It is because work-life balance means sticking to a 50/50 model, and an employee can become stressed if one fails to stick to that model. A smooth combination implies the possibility of an imbalance, for example, a worker may leave early for a visit to the doctor, even if it does not correspond to a 50/50 ratio. Besides, an employee with mental health issues must be sure that one will not be convicted for this and feel safe. In other words, it is necessary to provide flexible time and the ability to adjust working hours for employees with mental health problems. Primarily, it is articulated by the need for frequent visits to a doctor or psychologist, as well as the possibility of exacerbating mental problems.
HR managers also play an important role in creating an inclusive environment for employees with mental disabilities. Primarily, it includes the use of inclusive language, which one has the opportunity to get acquainted with in the developed manuals. An inclusive tone implies the application of appropriate words and the avoidance of phrases that can cause moral harm to employees with mental health issues. Moreover, it includes the use of narratives that ensure equity and inclusion. It is essential to make it clear that different people have different skills and talents, despite the distinguishing aspects. Moreover, one needs to assure employees with mental problems that they cannot be ashamed of their needs. For example, in case of increased anxiety, workers can be provided with a daily workflow plan. When an employee knows what to expect, the workflow becomes safer, and the mood improves.
Conclusion
To conclude, working in the field of trade can cause significant stress and, as a result, mental problems. In order to mitigate these consequences, it is necessary to create a suitable working environment. It includes boosting motivation through direct material bonuses, morale bonuses, and non-direct bonuses. These are articulated by premium, rewards for the implementation of the plan, a fair assessment of work, a democratic leadership style, and a friendly team. Cooperation and support, as well as security, are fundamental aspects of a suitable work environment that enhances job satisfaction. In addition, it is necessary to provide inclusive working conditions for employees with mental health issues. It implies being informed, being able to have flexible hours, and using inclusive language. One has to avoid narratives that can harm the employee with mental health issues and convince that one is equal to everyone.
Reference
Bulger, C. A., Schultz, D. P., & Sydney, E. (2020). Psychology and work today. (11th ed.). Routledge.