I don’t know about other states but a flu-like virus is ripping through workplaces in Victoria and knocking out several people at once, for days at a time. Retail businesses with little spare capacity in their roster are finding it tough asnd often run grossly understaffed because they don’t have access to anyone who can cover at short notice.
I wonder if there is an opportunity here to create an agency which offers access to people prepared to work in a newsagency at short notice. I suspect there would be people at home willing to take on the odd day here or there. One of our teamfirst suggested this six months ago when juggling a roster while many people were off.
If we could ensure a good understanding of newsagency products, answers to common questions and knowledge of common technology an agency service could work.
Sure, there would be a considerable premium cost for what would be an on-call service. However, it would be worth the premium if it meant customer service standards were maintained.
This is the kind of commercial service an Association could run for newsagents but since they haven’t a commercial venture could start up. It would make more sense than selling cheap stationery.
I agree Mark, it would be good also to get some association accredited staff in to let us have holidays. That would be an iniative.
Associations do have lists of relieving newsagents. They are also listed in industry magazines.
Maybe the relievers could start an on-call service? Very hard to start I can imagine.
Nurses have been available to hospitals on this basis for years through agencies.
Talk to the people at http://www.ployme.com.au – they have just such a solution.