The back room of a retail business is a window into the efficiency and focus of the business. This is a fair assumption because this is where the business is organized. A disorganized back room reflects a likely disorganized business.
Organizing the back room is easy. Those who disagree probably spend too much time thinking about it and not enough time creating an efficient and enjoyable workspace.
Here are some simple tips for organizing the back room of any retail business.
have defined areas. Separate, delimit and manage the areas of: goods receipt, plant spare parts, returns, administration and employee rest. Locate each area in a logical position.
For example, incoming goods should be located inside the entrance, away from main traffic, but close enough to be convenient for delivery drivers. Create a defined process around this space, such as each delivery being signed off on and even verified by a second person if the value of the deliveries warrants it.
Documents and administrative materials should be located in a more secure area than the general back room space. It should also be in office cabinets and units that can be locked.
A place for everything. Pens, pencils, tape, box cutters, scissors, paper, boxes, packing materials – everything in the back room should have its defined space. This creates a safer and more pleasant work environment. Better organization also encourages everyone else in the organization to be better organized. Lead by example.
communicate clearly. Set up a bulletin board or whiteboard where you can communicate with all employees. This should be located next to the door that leads from the room to the shop floor. The bulletin board can share important information about the business, as well as required health and safety notices.
Don’t hoard. Retailers are notorious hoarders, giving away everything in case they need it one day. While it’s easy to say not to hoard, the reality is different. Here’s a simple tip for retailers with space to spare. Reserve some space, hopefully something tucked away, where you put anything you’re not using and don’t think you’ll need but aren’t prepared to throw away. Not the date you put it there. review this space every six months. Items not used in six months should be thrown away.
Structure and discipline are the keys to a good back office. get it right, and as a result, the business itself will become more organized.
