The Retail People Index answers a simple but critical question: how are retail employees really feeling – and what does that mean for business performance?

Powered by data from our happiness dashboard and happiness health check (delivered with WorkL), the Retail People Index reveals the early signals shaping retention, productivity and absence – before they show up in headline metrics.

This year’s report reflects a shift in how wellbeing works. It is no longer something organisations react to. It is something that predicts risk, highlights pressure points and helps leaders act earlier.

Jonathan Pemberthy, director, AlixPartners: “The retail sector has navigated extraordinary disruption over the past several years, and this quarter’s findings signal an encouraging return to stability. 

“It’s good to see that improved scores in wellbeing and retention are holding, but a closer look at the data shows pressure accumulating beneath the surface. The opportunity for retailers is in recognising that resilience in retail starts with an investment in people, and that should be a core element of their business strategy.”

Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust: “A steady overall score can conceal very different experiences across the workforce. With 25 to 44-year-olds now facing particular pressure, employers need to understand where wellbeing is shifting and ensure the right support reaches colleagues early, before mounting pressures begin to affect their health, happiness and hope for the future.”

Retail People Index - Q2 2026

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