Study: Attention should be paid to peak workload in the retail sector

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health media release 4 December 2025

A comprehensive research by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health examined the workload in the retail sector. The study utilised employers’ register data on working hours, occupational accidents and near misses, heart rate and heart rate interval variability as well as TuleFix measurements, survey results and interviews.  

The result of the study was reassuring: based on the comprehensive results, the workload in the retail sector is reasonable. However, there are peaks in workloads, which are often associated with occupational accidents and near-misses. Typical workload peaks include shelving, unloading, rush, working alone, and difficult or threatening customer situations.  

"Attention should be paid to peak workloads, and there is room for improvement in keeping up-to-date records of occupational accidents and near-misses. In physically demanding tasks, employees must be offered the opportunity to use assistive devices or the help of a colleague.  The support to lower psychological strain requires that there are opportunities to discuss events, receive support, and, if necessary, access to mental first aid," says Annina Ropponen, Research Professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Good orientation and work shift planning help in workload management

One important factor in managing workload is good orientation, as employee turnover is high and there are many young employees.  

"The work tasks involve many skills, which makes it important to keep developing the content and timing of orientation. It is advisable to break the orientation into manageable parts and return to the content of the orientation when tasks, locations or other factors change," says Annina Ropponen.

Work shift planning must also be considered in workload management. High workload is particularly evident in early morning, late evening and night shifts. Insufficiently short shift intervals and several consequent shifts can also cause stress.

Learn more about the study 

• The study is based on the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health’s project Workload in the Trade Sector - from workload peaks to smoother work project
• Final report of the study (in Finnish): Kaupan alan työkuormitus : kuormitushuipuista sujuvampaan työhön  (Julkari.fi)
• The project is funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund. 

Further information

• Annina Ropponen, Research Professor, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, +358 43 825 1392, annina.ropponen@ttl.fi