When frontline employees don’t see growth opportunities, most would rather resign than stay stagnant. You’re not alone if this sounds like a wake-up call—it’s a challenge many businesses face. Let’s break it down.

Frontline employees are the heartbeat of every retail business. They’re the ones engaging with customers, driving sales, and ensuring operations run smoothly. Yet, when it comes to career progression, they’re often overlooked—and the consequences are staggering.

Recently, we surveyed 500 retail employees from different retail sectors and job roles to understand their views on career progression. The results were both eye-opening and a call to action for employers:

• 100% of respondents said that growing in their role is “very important.”
• The majority admitted they would resign if there were no opportunities to grow within their current organization.
• When asked what mattered most in a job, employees prioritized learning new skills and better pay.

This data sheds light on a critical issue that organizations must address—career progression isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a business imperative. Let’s explore why prioritizing growth is a game-changer for frontline teams.

What the Data Tells Us

• Career growth is non-negotiable. Every single respondent in our survey ranked it as “very important,” highlighting the universal need for advancement opportunities.
• Without growth, employees leave. The primary response to a lack of growth opportunities was “Resign,” showing that stagnation directly impacts retention.
• Growth is multifaceted. Employees emphasized the importance of both learning new skills and receiving better pay, underscoring the need for holistic growth opportunities.

Why This Matters

Career progression is more than just a retention strategy—it’s a way to build a workforce that’s engaged, motivated, and aligned with your business goals. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for your frontline teams:

1. It Reduces Turnover:
   Turnover in the retail industry is notoriously high, costing businesses time and money. Providing growth opportunities makes employees more likely to stay.
   
   
2. It Boosts Morale and Engagement:
   Employees who see a future with your company are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles. They’re not just working for a paycheck—they’re working toward a purpose.
   
   
3. It Drives Better Customer Experiences:
   Happy employees mean happy customers. Frontline teams that feel valued and motivated are more likely to deliver exceptional service.
   
   

What Happens When You Don’t Prioritize Career Progression?

The consequences are real:

• High turnover rates lead to constant recruitment and training costs.
• Disengaged employees impact team performance and customer satisfaction.
• Your brand reputation takes a hit as employees leave and share their dissatisfaction.

But the good news? These challenges can be avoided with the right strategies.

A Win-Win Solution

By investing in career progression, you’re not just helping your employees—you’re helping your business. It’s a win-win situation where your team grows, and so does your bottom line.

So, what’s next? Stay tuned for our next article in this series, where we’ll discuss the cost of neglecting career progression and what happens when growth opportunities are absent. Spoiler: It’s not pretty, but there’s a way forward.

Career progression isn’t just an option; it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your frontline teams. Are you ready to prioritize growth?

Follow our LinkedIn page as we update you throughout this campaign with all the strategies, tools, and templates you need to upgrade your frontline team’s career progression.