The demands and challenges of being a retail store manager: ‘Handcuffed to the front doors’

Andrew Smith and Fiona Elliott
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Andrew Smith: University of Bradford, UK
Fiona Elliott: RetailCom

Work, Employment & Society, 2012, vol. 26, issue 4, 676-684

Abstract: This article presents a vivid account of the day to day reality of a female manager in a busy UK city centre food retail store. Insights into some of the transformations in retail work are illuminated, namely restricted store budgets, lean staffing and a long-hours culture. The combination of these factors has resulted in increasing workplace demands and time pressures, with health and well-being consequences. This unique account enhances understandings of the twin challenges for managers in attempting to accommodate work-life balance for their staff and themselves personally. Despite these workplace pressures, the narrative is peppered with instances of practical and emotional concern and support.

Keywords: gender; long-hours culture; management; retail; well-being; work-life balance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:woemps:v:26:y:2012:i:4:p:676-684

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