Reduce Stress This Holiday Season
The holiday season can be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most stressful, especially when working in retail. Check out these ideas for lowering stress during this busy time of year.
Training & Professional Development
Take Time to Express Appreciation
Never underestimate the power of a simple “thank you!” It’s important to appreciate staff for their contributions to the co-op’s success — especially during the hectic holiday season. Here are some ideas for meaningful employee recognition.
Build Resilience with Cross Training
The benefits of cross training employees can be a valuable return on investment for your co-op. A well-planned and intentional cross training program can lead to more flexibility in scheduling, contingency plans for vacations, busy holidays and absenteeism.
Standard Operating Procedures Save Time and Energy
Documenting tasks using a standard operating procedure, or SOP, can reduce stress, improve productivity and enhance ability to deliver great customer service. Learn the ingredients and steps for creating an effective SOP.
Share Negative Feedback with Your Team to Build Customer Relationships
Resolving customer complaints and addressing the initial issue behind those complaints can turn negative feedback into a positive. Listening to negative feedback helps identify areas of opportunity and make improvements that ensure a positive customer experience moving forward.
Reopen with Food Safety in Mind
With retail deli food service operations quickly returning to normal across the country, now is a great time for general managers, operations managers and store managers to assess their Retail Deli Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) to make sure active managerial controls (AMCs) are current and in place
Planning for the Unexpected: Staff Turnover and Leaves of Absence
Are you prepared for when an employee requires a leave of absence or accepts another job? Planning for unexpected changes can prevent undue stress, errors and lost productivity. We offer guidance for tracking turnover and cross-training staff on critical tasks.
Tips to Engage and Retain Your Employees Through COVID-19
Co-op employees may be feeling extra stressed and keeping your team engaged can be challenging. As we proceed through the pandemic and begin to navigate the aftermath, these tips will help to foster highly engaged teams and retain staff.
Taking Another Look at Inclusive Language
As our organizations actively engage in equity, belonging, inclusivity and accessibility (EBIA) work, it is important to think critically about our word choices, welcome feedback and shift to more inclusive language whenever possible.
New on Co+op U: Fresh and Refreshed Courses Plus Handy Features
Co+op U offers more than 100 interactive courses that can be taken at any time and allow staff to choose the topics they need most for their current situation or development needs. Here’s what’s new.