Recruitment and retention of staff has been a massive issue since the COVID-19 crisis shook the labour market. People are leaving public-facing roles (e.g. in retail, hospitality, care and tourism) and some are not returning.

Looking after employee wellbeing has been associated with higher employee retention, better reputation (useful for recruitment) and better performance by workers – so developing a sustainable approach to workplace wellbeing could be very useful for employers in current conditions.

However, not all businesses are clear about cost-effective ways to address this. Managers worry about expense and time. This is why in 2021 we produced the ‘4 Boosts to for frontline workers ’ infographic, video and handbook, which highlight practical ways of working within businesses to improve working relationships and conditions.

Now, in 2022, the next phase of the Good Jobs Project is underway and we need input from employers of frontline staff in Norfolk. We have two aims, we want to:

  • Hear the opinions of more employers and employees on what makes a good job in their local area – Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Breckland and North Norfolk.
  • Share the ‘4 Boosts for frontline worker wellbeing and performance’ with employers and hear what is relevant, useable or challenging about acting on them.

Take part:

Employers: Would you be happy to discuss the experience of employing frontline workers (e.g. retail, hospitality, care, tourism, charities) in Norfolk with one of our researchers?  

  • The discussion will take approximately 30 minutes via video call and everything we hear will be anonymised before we use it for our research report.
  • We will offer insight into the ‘4 Boosts’ for frontline workers during the discussion and answer any questions you have about the evidence that underpins them.

Employees: Would you be happy to discuss your experience of frontline work (e.g. in retail, hospitality, care, tourism, charities) in Norfolk with one of our researchers?  

  • The discussion will take approximately 30 minutes via video call and everything we hear will be anonymised before we use it for our research report.
  • We will offer you a £20 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you for your time.

Please contact R.Woodard@uea.ac.uk before the July 12th 2022 if you are happy to add your voice to those of other Norfolk businesses. One of our researchers – Ritchie or Helen – will get back to you asap.