Explore every episode of the podcast ReThink Productivity Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Productivity Pulse Episode 10 | 12 Sep 2026 | 00:12:17 | |
Why do operational bottlenecks persist even when you have access to performance data? In this episode of The Productivity Pulse, James, Sue, and Simon discuss how qualitative research bridges the gap between knowing what your workforce is doing and understanding why they do it. The team shares real-world case studies from recent client projects—ranging from store managers stuck resolving minor issues to HR teams battling mismatched software systems. In this episode, you’ll discover:
Resources: To learn more about our qualitative research services, visit our website ReSearch or connect with the team on LinkedIn. #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Fix the Behavior, The Sales Will Follow | 30 Aug 2026 | 00:22:35 | |
In this episode of the Productivity Podcast, we speak with Kayleigh Fazan, founder of the International Retail Academy, to discuss why transforming the customer experience has to start behind the scenes. Kayleigh shares her insights from over 20 years in retail, explaining why true productivity is all about empowering leaders, building team confidence, and getting the basics right. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Behavior Over Metrics: Retail leaders often fixate on lagging indicators like conversion and ATV that only show what happened yesterday. To genuinely improve productivity, managers must focus on the daily behaviors that create those results. The Power of Service: Delivering an exceptional, consistent customer experience is one of the most commercially productive activities a retail business can perform. Targeted Training: Overwhelming part-time staff with massive libraries of learning materials is highly ineffective. Businesses should instead empower their leaders to separate critical, "must-do" training from optional "nice-to-have" learning. Sustainable Growth: Retailers cannot simply cut costs to achieve growth. Adopting a bottom-up approach to customer service naturally boosts commercial numbers, which in turn allows for future budget growth. 📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 9 - Case Studies and More | 23 Aug 2026 | 00:08:23 | |
In this episode, Sue and Simon explore essential resources for enhancing productivity and validating business cases. If you're seeking insights to inform your next project, this conversation is packed with valuable information. Case Studies: Learning from the Best Sue highlights the importance of case studies for anyone looking to build a solid business case. These real-world examples provide a deep dive into specific projects, showcasing what clients aimed to achieve and the results they accomplished. This firsthand knowledge can guide you in tailoring your own strategies. "If you're trying to think about what will be the business case for a particular project, it's a good one to drill into and find out what somebody else's experience was." — SueWhitepapers: Broadening Your Understanding In addition to case studies, Sue discusses the wealth of knowledge available in white papers. These documents offer a broader introduction to topics like improving productivity and workload modeling, featuring multiple case studies to illustrate different approaches. Ideal for those still narrowing down their options, whitepapers can provide the general learning needed to kickstart your projects. "If you're still thinking about what you should be doing and want to get some general learning about what other people have done, then the white paper is a great place to start." — SueFurther Learning: Books and Courses Simon and Sue also touch on the book Every Second Counts, which compiles frequently asked questions and offers practical insights along with various case studies. This resource is particularly beneficial for those looking for quick wins in their productivity efforts. From foundational training courses at the ReThink Academy to specialised workshops on workload modeling and methods study, there are numerous opportunities for deeper learning. As Sue notes, these courses can equip you with crucial knowledge and skills whether you're new to productivity or seeking a fresh perspective. Upcoming Events and Resources Don't forget to sign up for the ReThink Forum 2026 happening on September 10th in Birmingham. With over 200 episodes of the Productivity Podcast available, there's a wealth of information at your fingertips. Additionally, Simon and Sue announce a pause on the Basket and Barometer series, making way for new conversations, including the intriguing Hedaux Hogg and the Machines, focusing on AI's role in retail and hospitality. #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Data-Driven Coaching and AI in Store Operations | 16 Aug 2026 | 00:19:19 | |
This month on the productivity podcast Ben Collier, co-founder at Ocasta discusses how streamlining store communications is helping drive actionable tasks, frontline micro-learning, and better sales conversions, and looks ahead to when AI will automatically guide managers through effective team coaching. Key takeaways:
Ocasta Webinar: Watch the Webinar Ben mentions in the Pod Event Alert: Catch up with Ben and the Ocasta team to get an early look at their new AI coaching assistant at the upcoming Productivity Forum. 📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Hedaux , Hogg & The Machines 1 | 08 Aug 2026 | 00:24:59 | |
In this debut episode of "Hedaux, Hogg & the Machines", host Simon is joined by guest co-host Ed Hogg, CEO of SolvedBy.ai. Together, they explore the fast-moving state of AI technology and its practical applications across retail, hospitality, and customer-facing environments. Key takeaways: 🔹 Data Security: Why enterprise security settings matter when using LLMs and the hidden risks of unvetted open-source models. 🔹 Head Office Efficiency: How area managers are using AI agents to automate weekly store action plans in minutes. 🔹 Shop Floor AI: How retail giants like Walmart, Tesco, Lowe's, and M&S are rolling out AI tools to frontline teams. 🔹 What’s Next: What to expect from upcoming models, enterprise forecasting tools, and the realistic timeline for store robotics. 📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report #theproductivityexperts | |||
| From Insights to Execution: The Future of Frontline Productivity with WorkJam | 01 Aug 2026 | 00:18:41 | |
This month on our business productivity podcast, we spoke to Will Eadie, Chief Strategy Officer at WorkJam. Key takeaways: Productivity Drives Engagement: Why giving frontline workers clear expectations and streamlined tasks boosts overall job satisfaction and engagement. The £6.25 Billion Opportunity: Insights from the Rethink Productivity 2026 report, highlighting the massive savings organizations can unlock by managing capacity intelligently. From Insights to Execution: How AI is moving beyond data-dumping to provide store managers with actual decision support and dynamic task prioritization based on real-time signals like footfall and POS transactions. Democratizing Tasks: Real-world examples of how digital collaboration platforms allow managers to assign tasks based on skill and availability, keeping operations running smoothly even across differing shift patterns. The Autonomous Frontline: A look ahead at the next 12 months, predicting a shift toward systems that automatically suggest optimized actions—freeing managers from administrative burdens so they can focus on coaching teams and serving customers. Event Alert: Catch up with the WorkJam team at the Rethink Forum on September 10th in Birmingham. 📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report #theproductivityexperts | |||
| All Things MTM with Peter Kuhlang | 18 Jul 2026 | 00:16:19 | |
We sit down with Peter Kuhlang, CEO of the MTM Association, to unpack MTM as a process language that turns work description into reliable time standards. We also test the hype around AI by looking at how video and motion data can speed up analysis without losing credibility.
📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 8 - Countdown to the Productivity Forum 2026! | 12 Jul 2026 | 00:07:15 | |
The countdown is officially on. We are just two months away from the annual Productivity Forum on September 10th in Birmingham, and this week on The Productivity Pulse, we’re giving you an exclusive sneak peek at what’s in store. With over 150 operational and productivity leaders already registered, this year’s event is shaping up to be our biggest and most impactful yet. Join hosts Sue, Simon & James as they break down the 2026 agenda, which is built entirely around real feedback from the industry and our latest retail report.
📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer June 2026 | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:13:11 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat We take a look at May’s retail and economic signals, where the mood stays low but the sales numbers finally lift. We tease out how heat, online shopping, and where people choose to spend time reshape the outlook for high streets, retail parks, and seaside towns. 📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 7 - ReThink Academy | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:37:06 | |
What separates guesswork from actual, sustainable efficiency? Professional training. In this episode, our resident experts—Sue, Simon & James—are joined by special guest Phil to break down why credible productivity work must start with the right foundations. They dive into how the ReThink Academy is shaping the next generation of industry experts through our four core courses:
Ready to level up your team's capabilities? 🌐 Explore the Academy: ReTime Academy 📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026 #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer May 2026 | 31 May 2026 | 00:15:48 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat April’s numbers look grim on the surface, but Easter timing shifts spending into March and distorts the year on year story. We discuss the real signals behind falling footfall and softer sales, then ask what rising costs and uncertainty are doing to jobs, confidence and everyday choices. #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse: Retail Technology Show Live 2026 | 14 May 2026 | 00:12:19 | |
We recorded our first live ReThink Productivity podcast at the Retail Technology Show after-show party, talking candidly about what retail tech is actually doing for productivity right now. Chris Chandler and Steve Young share what is changing with AI, wage pressure, training, and the practical realities of running stores on land and at sea. • AI at the show feeling more integrated and less like marketing Download your copy of the Retail Report #theproductivityexperts | |||
| The ReThink Productivity Retail Report 2026 and NotebookLM | 04 May 2026 | 00:48:21 | |
We gave Notebook LM our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report NotebookLM digs into why shops can look perfectly staffed and still fail you at the checkout or on the shop floor, then trace the problem back to how retail measures efficiency. We use the ReThink Productivity Retail Report 2026 to show how a push for 100% utilisation creates a capacity cap that burns out colleagues and leaks sales Download your copy of the Retail Report #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer April 2026 | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:12:57 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat We read the March 2026 retail and economic data against a month shaped by war and an early Easter, where strong headlines hide weaker high street reality Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Future Ready Retail Benchmarking Report SPECIAL | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:14:40 | |
Sue, Simon, & James share the top-line findings from ReThink Productivity Future Retail Ready Benchmarking Report and explain how a £6.25bn opportunity could be unlocked. They walk through six golden rules to improve store performance, protect customer experience, and avoid hidden workload that quietly harms sales. #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse 6 | 12 Apr 2026 | 00:15:49 | |
Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James —who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights We share the latest ReThink Academy training updates and why we built courses we wish we’d had when we first stepped into productivity and workload modelling roles. We also unpack how measuring work can remove customer friction, from mobile phone sales processing to the daily annoyances of hotel check-in, and why buy-in makes or breaks operational models • ReThink Academy expansion and what’s new We will be at the Retail Technology Show (RTS) the 22nd and 23rd of April at the Excel in London Book a meeting at RTS #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer March 2026 | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:12:18 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat • Record wet weather and why it hits retail demand fast #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Nov 2025 - Feb 2026 NotebookLM Summary | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:42:17 | |
We gave NotebookLM our Productivity Pulse podcasts from November 2025 to February 2026 with Sue, Simon, & James and this is what it came up with... We follow the stop-watch data behind everyday queues and show how “efficient” labour models can still create predictable chaos at peak demand. We trace how wage pressure, algorithmic scheduling, and physical layout decisions reshape what workers do and what customers feel.
#theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 5 | 15 Mar 2026 | 00:16:52 | |
Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James —who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights We dig into stock to shelf benchmarking and reveal how much replenishment time is lost to movement and returns. We share early findings and details of our benchmarking report and Retail Technology Show plans • Early look at our retail benchmarking report launch We will be at the Retail Technology Show the 22nd and 23rd of April at the Excel in London #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer Nov 2025 - Jan 2026 NotebookLM Summary | 08 Mar 2026 | 00:22:31 | |
We gave NotebookLM our podcasts from November 2025 to February 2026 with Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and this is what it came up with... We test a hard question: are UK retail’s brutal numbers a structural reset or a severe cyclical slump? We argue both sides with data on jobs, wages, footfall, discounts, online share, and consumer psychology, and find common ground on how to survive right now. • Structural shift versus cyclical contraction #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer February 2026 | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:16:54 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat A cautious consumer shows up in January with fewer trips but bigger baskets, while retail parks gain and high streets hold on. We dig into youth unemployment, wage compression, AI’s impact on entry roles, and why productivity must carry the next phase of retail. • January footfall near flat with retail parks up #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 4 | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:29:46 | |
Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights. This month they are joined by special guest Ed Thompson We unpack how quick service restaurants (QSR) cut through rising costs and sharper peaks by separating delivery from dine‑in, scaling kiosks, and engineering seconds out of core tasks. Ed shares ground‑truth from trials that reveal hidden costs, smarter layouts, and why testing beats gut feel. • Defining QSR and why delivery changed everything We will be at the Retail Technology Show the 22nd and 23rd of April at the Excel in London #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Using MTM To Improve Methods, Not Just Set Time | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:15:03 | |
We explore with ReThink Productivity’s Simon Woodfield and Ed Thompson how MTM drives method improvement, not just time measurement, and share real case studies across logistics, retail food, and warehousing. We show how operator involvement, ergonomics, and clear coding lead to standard work, stronger business cases, and better rollouts. • Method determines the time, not the stopwatch Find out more at the UKMTM Website #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer January 2026 | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:13:17 | |
Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat We unpack December’s retail data: footfall fell most in shopping centres, high streets held up better, and sales rose only because food prices stayed high. Confidence is inching higher, small towns are gaining share, and the high street is evolving rather than dying. • Footfall down overall, led by shopping centres #theproductivityexperts | |||
| How MTM Really Works: From Motions To Time | 25 Jan 2026 | 00:20:33 | |
We dig into how MTM turns micro motions into fair, consistent time standards with ReThink Productivity’s Simon Woodfield and Ed Thompson and when to use MTM1, MTM2, or UAS for different kinds of work. We share how video, TMUs, and peer review remove bias and help teams set reliable, safe methods. • MTM motion categories and why they matter Find out more at the UKMTM Website #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 3 | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:16:50 | |
Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights In this episode they discuss why parcel pickup times vary from 27 seconds to three minutes on average and show how storage design, retrieval systems, and colleague headsets drive speed, safety, and sales. The chat covers the sales uplift from parcel traffic, the strain of returns, and how lockers and paid returns could shift behaviour this year. • Wait time trends and the drivers of delay #theproductivityexperts | |||
| What Is MTM And Why It Still Matters | 11 Jan 2026 | 00:14:28 | |
We unpack Method Time Measurement (MTM) with ReThink Productivity’s Simon Woodfield and Ed Thompson, from its 1940s roots to modern use with motion capture and VR. The chat explains how MTM coding works, and why fair, consistent standards matter. • Origins of MTM Find out more at the UKMTM Website We just wanted to remind everybody that as of 1st January 2026, the UK MTM Association is now part of ReThink Productivity #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer December 2025 | 28 Dec 2025 | 00:12:16 | |
Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat We dig into why Black Friday footfall held up while November spending slumped, and what that split means for December. We talk inflation turning to deflation in fashion and furniture, caution on inventory, and the ripple effects that hit suppliers when retailers stumble. • Footfall marginally down on Black Friday day, week up 1.1% year on year #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 2 | 14 Dec 2025 | 00:16:32 | |
Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights We unpack the wage rise headlines and the quiet costs they trigger up the ladder, then move to peak‑time realities: queues, break timing, and the real use of self‑checkout. We finish with fast wins in quick‑serve layouts and why adoption fails without hands‑on coaching. • Wage increases by age bands and implications for costs Keep an eye out for those queues at peak, everybody listening, and see if you can identify the issues, we'll be back in the new year #theproductivityexperts | |||
| The What, When, Why & How Of A Time And Motion Study | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:13:33 | |
We gave NotebookLM our record breaking blog to see what happened when they turned it into a podcast... We examine how modern time and motion studies expose hidden waste, translate seconds into savings, and protect sustainable pace. From Taylor and the Gilbreths to sensors and benchmarks, we map the methods, the maths, and the immediate actions that cut costs without cutting quality Not only will our approach to a Time and Motion Study plot out exactly where you stand versus where you could be, but our analysts will provide practical steps on how to help you get there, saving you time, effort and, ultimately, money More information on Time and Motion Studies can be found in our whitepaper – our experts’ views into how modern techniques are bringing about new productivity insights. Download here >> #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Basket & Barometer November 2025 | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:21:23 | |
Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat In this episode we cover why average transaction value now matters more than footfall, and how Black Friday has shifted the peak. We share sector signals, consumer confidence trends, and what the budget and labour market mean for Q4 #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Pulse Episode 1 | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:18:53 | |
Productivity Pulse Episode 1 Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights We dig into why efficiency swings across sites, how that volatility hurts peak service, and what workload models can do to stabilise performance. We also show how role drift reduces leadership time and how structured interviews add a 360 view that turns data into action. #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Podcast 2.0 | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:01:39 | |
🚨 Podcast Reboot Alert! The ReThink Productivity Podcast is Back—and Smarter Than Ever! 🚀 We're thrilled to announce the official reboot of the ReThink Productivity Podcast with a brand-new format and a commitment to delivering high-impact, actionable insights twice a month Our new focus is simple: Less Noise, More Intelligence We’ll now be releasing two essential episodes per month—a mix of deep-dive interviews and actionable, data-driven insights—perfect for busy leaders who need to stay ahead of the curve The Relaunch Lineup (Your First Two Episodes): 🎙️ Episode 1. The Productivity Pulse (Early Month)
💡Episode 2. Basket & Barometer (Late Month)
For leaders in Operations, Strategy, and HR, this podcast provides the modern tools to build a smarter, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable business #theproductivityexperts | |||
| AI Value Track Podcast - Episode 3 | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:27:32 | |
We weigh the real trade‑offs of building AI in‑house versus buying and configuring proven tools, and map a practical route from pilot to production without blowing the budget. Clear steps on data, governance, ethics, and IP help you create value you can measure.
#theproductivityexperts | |||
| AI Made This Podcast - Notebook LM October 2025 | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:12:35 | |
Notebook LM has had some significant updates over the last few weeks Have a listen to the latest iteration of a Notebook LM created podcast based on ReThink marketing materials #theproductivityexperts | |||
| AI Value Track Podcast - Episode 2 | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:32:24 | |
We dig into practical AI that saves time: personal LLMs, embedded features already in your tools, and AI‑native agents that take action, not just give answers. We share proof points, pitfalls, and simple ways teams can adopt safely and quickly.
#theproductivityexperts | |||
| AI Value Track Podcast - Episode 1 | 19 Oct 2025 | 00:25:18 | |
We strip away the jargon and show how to use AI as an assist that lifts productivity, trust, and measurable outcomes. From data readiness to culture, governance to first use cases, we focus on steps that turn hype into results.
#theproductivityexperts | |||
| The Evolution of Advanced Scheduling: How ModusForce Is Changing the WFM Game | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:24:25 | |
Theo Gott and Mark Stacey from ModusForce discuss the evolving landscape of workforce management and how their Dayforce implementation expertise helps organisations maximise efficiency and employee satisfaction. • The WFM market is experiencing 20% growth globally with key trends including AI automation, flexible working arrangements, and legislative changes Reach Theo at theo@modusforce.com and Mark at mark@modusforce.com #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Footfall Insights September 2025 | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:11:57 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends.August retail sales dipped 4.8% year-on-year despite stable footfall, with fashion and general retail taking significant hits. Consumers are demonstrating caution by making fewer transactions while spending slightly more per purchase, reflecting broader economic uncertainty and diminished confidence • Consumer confidence remains low at -19 according to GFK's Consumer Confidence Index #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Beyond the Yellow Label: Transforming Retail Operations with Smart Technology | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:28:39 | |
Tom Coe, VP of Growth at Retail Insight, shares how data-driven solutions can tackle the perennial challenges of retail operations while empowering store colleagues to deliver better customer service • Retail Insight provides in-store operations analytics software for over 50,000 stores globally #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Productivity Forum 2025: Key Takeaways | 14 Sep 2025 | 00:12:27 | |
We recap the highlights from the Productivity Forum 2025, diving into key presentations and insights that left attendees buzzing with new ideas about retail productivity. https://rethinkproductivity.co.uk/productivity-forum/ #theproductivityexperts | |||
| The Robot Won't Steal Your Job, But It Might Make It Awesome | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:34:45 | |
Rob Bate, Co Founder at FrontlineXP, shares insights from his extensive retail experience and explains how FrontlineXP is working to improve the experience of customer-facing employees through innovative technology solutions • Frontline workers and operations teams are chronically underserved by technology and expertise #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Footfall Insights August 2025 | 24 Aug 2025 | 00:10:43 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends. July retail data shows positive signs with spending down only 1.4% compared to 8.5% in June, though footfall decreased by 1.7% as consumers remain cautious with their spending. The warm weather has encouraged more UK residents to holiday at home, redirecting spending into local economies rather than abroad. • Five key retail sectors (fashion, food and drink, general retail, grocery, health and beauty) all showed improvement in July Looking ahead to August, if the good weather continues and staycations remain popular, we might see further improvements in retail spending figures #theproductivityexperts | |||
| ReThink Revealed - Ep.5. The Data Deep Dive: Productivity Lessons from the Numbers - James | 17 Aug 2025 | 00:23:24 | |
James Bolle, Rethink Productivity's Head of Insight Development, reveals how businesses can transform raw productivity data into meaningful insights that drive tangible improvements. His career-spanning mission has focused on helping organisations make better decisions through data analysis, quality processes, and contextualisation.
If you've enjoyed this episode, visit the Rethink Productivity website for more podcasts and resources to help your organisation improve efficiency and productivity. #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Rethinking Retail: What If We Challenged Everything? | 10 Aug 2025 | 00:12:40 | |
Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with his thoughts on the dynamic world of retail productivity, challenging traditional assumptions to uncover hidden costs and untapped opportunities in modern retail operations. Retail businesses face a productivity paradox where despite working harder and implementing efficiency measures, many find themselves "sprinting to stand still" as costs rise and operations grow more complex. Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with crucial insights into navigating this challenging landscape through systemic changes rather than incremental tweaks. • Understanding true operational costs requires forensic analysis of processes like stock replenishment Link to the original article can be found here... #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Schedule Smarter, Not Harder: How to Transform Your Workforce Management | 03 Aug 2025 | 00:23:00 | |
Matthew Haywood, Owner of WFM Consulting, a seasoned retail expert with over 25 years of experience, shares his framework for effective workforce management through seven essential pillars. He dispels common myths about auto-scheduling while providing practical insights into achieving the elusive "right people, right place, right time" goal that transforms both customer and colleague experiences. • Understanding the five key challenges: mindset, capability, confidence, simplicity, and adoption #theproductivityexperts | |||
| Footfall Insights July 2025 | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:11:31 | |
Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends. The UK's summer heatwave has driven an 8.5% decline in high street retail sales compared to last year. This retail slump reflects a combination of weather impacts, calendar effects, and persistent economic headwinds affecting consumer spending patterns. • UK high street footfall down 3% during June's heatwave periods #theproductivityexperts | |||
| The Productivity Puzzle: Navigating Retail's Toughest Challenges | 19 Jul 2025 | 00:40:46 | |
Retail businesses face a productivity paradox where despite working harder and implementing efficiency measures, many find themselves "sprinting to stand still" as costs rise and operations grow more complex. Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with his thoughts and insights into navigating this challenging landscape through systemic changes rather than incremental tweaks. Rethink Productivity provides crucial insights into navigating this challenging landscape through systemic changes rather than incremental tweaks. • All easy efficiency changes have already been implemented in retail #theproductivityexperts | |||
| The Power of Micro-Feedback: How HappyOrNot Transforms Customer Experience | 13 Jul 2025 | 00:28:40 | |
Tim Waterton, CRO at HappyOrNot, shares how their iconic smiley face terminals pioneered the micro-feedback approach that has collected over 2 billion pieces of customer feedback across 4,000 brands in 100+ countries. Their in-the-moment data collection method delivers higher response rates and more actionable insights than traditional surveys. • HappyOrNot started with simple four-button terminals and has evolved to include tablet kiosks, digital options, and intelligent signage #theproductivityexperts | |||
| ReThink Revealed - Ep4. Measure What Matters: The Techniques Powering ReThink’s Insights - Ed | 06 Jul 2025 | 00:26:47 | |
Productivity specialist Ed unveils the science behind different types of studies that transform raw data into powerful insights for businesses seeking to optimise their operations. #theproductivityexperts | |||