Heading off turnover

If economists are right about business picking up this year, supermarkets could be losing some valuable employees, especially those who feel they've been overworked during hard times. A recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com found that 46 percent of retail workers said they plan to shop around for a new job this year. One in four said they're generally dissatisfied with their current positions due to several factors, among them compensation. In addition, they claim they've taken on additional responsibilities—and stress—and feel their workloads are too heavy. It also seems that stress follows them home, as one-third said they feel dissatisfied with their work/life balance.

"With the economy in a recovery phase and job prospects improving, nearly half of retail workers will be on the hunt for better job opportunities in 2004," says Bob Montgomery, c.e.o. of CareerBuilder.com. "This means retailers will need to rethink strategies to attract and retain those top performers who will provide great customer service and increase sales."

Among Montgomery's suggestions for retaining good employees are:

•Provide competitive compensation and benefits packages, as well as nonmonetary tools like training, education, and certification.

•Give employees opportunities for career development. Every supervisor should meet individually with employees, discuss short- and long-term goals, and plan career paths that lend themselves to personal growth and upper mobility.

•Implement employee recognition programs in which supervisors reward employees for their contributions. Also create ways for employees to thank one another for support or help on a project.

•Regularly assess perceptions of the work environment by conducting internal surveys that ask for employees' opinions and attitudes. Then deliver on proposed resolutions to create a winning corporate culture.

Many retailers recognize the dilemma facing them, according to CareerBuilder.com's findings. Thirty-four percent of retail hiring managers surveyed admitted that it's difficult to find proper candidates. One in four retail hiring managers said they're increasing their recruitment budgets this year.

Winn-Dixie's woes

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. surprised its investors when it reported an unexpected loss in second-quarter sales and earnings. What followed included a 21-year low in the company's shares, as well as several class action lawsuits alleging that Winn-Dixie's top executives mismanaged the company and failed to set up a strategic plan, all the while withholding such problems from stockholders.

At presstime Winn-Dixie had begun taking steps