Home Depot will force corporate staff to work shifts in stores

It’s no secret that retail workers are under significant stress.

They struggle with everything from understaffed stores and long hours on their feet to rude customer behavior, and it’s no wonder some companies are finding it necessary to focus on new methods of employee retention.

In an effort “to stay connected to (its) core business,” Home Depot will begin requiring its corporate workforce to work shifts in its retail stores.

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Quoting a memo from Home Depot CEO Ted Decker, Bloomberg reported that starting in the 4th quarter, corporate staff will be mandated to work 8-hour shifts each quarter.

Aimed at supporting retail staff, Decker says the move will allow white-collar employees to “truly understand the challenges and opportunities our store associates face every day.” The move applies to everyone, including senior management and remote workers.

Bloomberg called the effort “unusual” for the sector and suggests Home Depot is feeling the pressure of increased labor activism. In addition, the company experienced a decline in sales that followed heavy consumer investment in home renovations during the pandemic.

Home Depot is one of the largest retailers in the US, with annual revenues of over $150 billion and 450,000 employees.

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