Business basics — answers to your common retail problems

Workplace reputation
Question Despite my business’s excellent reputation, a recent staff recruitment campaign produced a poor response. Smaller and less well-known companies appear to be having little trouble attracting good staff. What, if anything, am I doing wrong?

Answer Surprisingly, reputation is not all that important any more. In fact, less than a quarter of employees interviewed recently thought job seekers would take it into account. The same survey revealed that prospective employers who rely heavily on the quality of the workplace environment and staff development initiatives, such as training and promotion, are also losing out.

Nowadays, it seems, the top two attractions that job candidates take most into account are holiday entitlement and the location of work. Other temptations high on the list are flexible working hours and bonuses.

Staff facilities
Question What is the law on men and women sharing the same toilet in the workplace?

Answer There are no regulations that prohibit men and women sharing workplace facilities. However, each toilet should be in a separate room with a door which is capable of being secured from inside.