US retail workers want flexible work twice as much as those in any other industry, according to research released today by ManpowerGroup Solutions, a division of ManpowerGroup Inc. (NYSE: MAN), and the trade group Retail Industry Leaders Association. The report found retail candidates value shorter work weeks and flexible shift patterns over compensation and benefits.

The report “Inside the Heads of Job Seekers: U.S. Retail Candidate Preferences,” found retail candidates want flexibility, or they'll go elsewhere. Unlike other industries where compensation is ranked as the top motivator, retail candidates rank type of work and schedule flexibility as the top two reasons they seek retail employment. Twice as many retail candidates want part-time work than any other industry, and 31% of retail workers also prefer to choose their own shifts versus 18% across other industries.

“Employers across the US are experiencing talent shortages and retailers are not immune,” said Jim McCoy, VP of ManpowerGroup Solutions RPO and global practice leader. “The retail industry is competing for workers who seek new ways of working, value flexibility and the ability to choose their own schedule. To attract the brightest and best, employers need to develop an attractive employer brand and demonstrate that they can offer people flexibility, the option to better blend work and home, and the opportunity to develop their skills.”

ManpowerGroup Solutions provided key recommendations to engage candidates:

• Limber up. Retail candidates value flexible working, and that's not just part-time jobs. Prioritizing workplace flexibility, supported by technology, will enable managers and employees to have a say in scheduling.
• Diversify. Apply your market segmentation strategy to recruiting employees. Programs targeted at specific groups will open up new talent pools. For example, attract students with a well-crafted, flexible, term-time offer to build a steady pipeline of workers with in-demand skills.
• Collaborate. The retail industry depends on a part-time workforce to meet seasonal demands, and collaborative hiring platforms and communities provide access to on-tap talent seeking flexibility.
• Ping and push. Sixty-seven percent of retail candidates want to be contacted two to four times per month by potential employers. With 86% of retail candidates using Facebook and 52% on Instagram, social media is an effective and efficient way to keep your brand front of mind, and push information about job opportunities direct to candidates.

ManpowerGroup Solutions surveyed nearly 1,500 retail workers across the US.