Retail turnover is a huge challenge. Constantly hiring and training new employees comes with hidden costs tied to onboarding and lost productivity. But beyond the financials, high turnover leaves stores scrambling to train new hires, often relying on outdated methods that frustrate employees before they even get started.

This episode of Modern Work Mondays dives into why traditional training methods are falling short and how technology can improve the experience for both employees and retailers.

The challenge of traditional training methods

Many frontline workers still learn their jobs through outdated methods. Think back to the days of grainy VCR training tapes with clunky multiple-choice quizzes. Even now, some employees rely on thick produce code books covered in scribbles and post-it notes just to find the right four-digit code at checkout.

This slows down service and creates frustration. Mistakes like guessing produce codes or giving away items for free can be embarrassing for employees, especially those new to the job, hurting their confidence and connection to the role.

How technology makes training better

Technology offers new ways to accelerate onboarding and build employee confidence. Mobile training tools and knowledge checks can be delivered quickly and conveniently. Imagine a cashier wearing a headset that can instantly provide a produce code, removing the need to flip through a book or ask for help.

Looking ahead, technologies like computer vision could identify produce items automatically at checkout, entering the correct codes without any manual input, reducing shrink and speeding up transactions.

The tools and technology employers provide directly impact job satisfaction and how long employees stay by helping them feel capable and supported in their roles.

Takeaways for retail leaders

Investing in modern training tools is investing in your people. Giving employees better resources helps them learn faster, make fewer mistakes, and feel confident in their jobs.

Better-trained, confident employees also provide better customer service. Faster checkouts and fewer errors mean a smoother, more enjoyable shopping experience for everyone.