At a time when data is essential for decision-making, it is surprising that a sector that should rely on it, such as retail, does not take advantage of it to improve the efficiency of its HR departments. According to a study carried out by Sesame, only 14% of retail companies make the most of their data to make strategic HR decisions.
What is striking from the report is that HR managers recognise the importance of data and the significant need to integrate and use it more strategically and effectively to improve decision-making and human resource management, and yet this is not being done. Furthermore, the lack of integration between new tools and existing systems is a significant challenge, mentioned by 45% of respondents.
“Time management and payroll platforms require integration with other systems to function efficiently, which can be a significant obstacle. Therefore, companies must opt for software that already integrates the different essential tools for HR departments,” says Leticia Gonzalbez, CMO of Sesame.
The report also points out that retail HR departments do not have internal communication tools in place.
Digitalisation has become a priority for Spanish companies, including those in the retail sector, but high turnover, absenteeism, shift management and the lack of real-time data remain the main HR challenges. Lack of staff is the problem highlighted by 100% of respondents, being identified as the most serious problem, reflecting a constant concern about the ability of stores to maintain an adequate level of staff at all times. In addition, the study reveals that 60% of small companies have not yet implemented personnel management software.
Another of the report’s conclusions is the serious problem that companies in the sector have with internal communication and departmental connections, since 70% of those surveyed say they do not have internal communication tools in place.
On the contrary, 80% of companies have already implemented time management applications. The study reveals a high level of adoption of certain digital technologies in HR within the sector, such as recruitment platforms that help to streamline the hiring process and find more suitable candidates. However, there is ample room for improvement in the adoption of more advanced technologies such as people analytics and the implementation of AI.
The sector is also already implementing time management applications to facilitate the recording and control of working time, as well as people management software that allows the automation of administrative processes, freeing up time for strategic activities. In addition to these, there are training management systems to facilitate the continuous development of staff, improving their skills and capabilities.
The study concludes that digitalization in HR in the retail sector is essential to face the current challenges of the market. In the words of Tiago Santos, VP of Community and Growth at Sesame, “the adoption of digital tools has improved the efficiency of processes, talent management, and employee satisfaction. However, challenges persist in the integration of systems and the adaptation of staff to new technologies. Digitalization is not only a competitive differentiator but a necessity to adapt to the demands of the current market.”
