Maximize Every Labor Hour: Why Workforce Management is Retail’s Secret Weapon in Volatile Times

Retailers have always operated in dynamic environments, but today’s market presents a new set of complexities. As inflation persists and new tariffs begin to take shape, uncertainty around supply chains and consumer demand continues to grow. With margins already under pressure, even small inefficiencies in labor planning or employee scheduling can have a ripple effect on customer service and revenues.

In this evolving landscape, relying solely on traditional cost-cutting strategies may no longer be enough. To stay resilient and competitive, retailers need smarter, more agile ways to manage labor—and modern workforce management (WFM) solutions are emerging as a critical part of that strategy.

The Cost of Standing Still

Retailers are being squeezed from all sides. Import tariffs are driving up the cost of goods, but passing those increases onto price-sensitive shoppers isn’t always feasible. Inflation continues to erode purchasing power, and unpredictable demand makes planning a challenge. Meanwhile, customer expectations for speed and service remain sky-high—and frontline teams are left to bridge the gap.

Unfortunately, many retailers still rely on legacy WFM systems or manual processes built for a different era. These outdated tools:

• Rely on static forecasts that can’t respond to sudden shifts in demand
• Generate rigid schedules that lead to costly over- or understaffing
• Offer little insight into employee performance or labor profitability
• Waste hours of managers’ time on manual admin instead of focusing on customers and sales
• Fail to support the flexibility and financial wellness employees expect today—driving attrition and ballooning hiring costs

The result? Wasted labor hours, lost revenue, frustrated staff, and declining customer satisfaction.

Why WFM is Now a Strategic Imperative

In today’s volatile market, workforce management is no longer just a back-office function—it’s a frontline business driver. Retailers that want to thrive need a more intelligent, agile, and employee-centric approach to labor planning and execution.

That’s where Legion WFM comes in.

Smarter Labor Strategies for Uncertain Times

Legion WFM is built to address the complexity of modern retail. Powered by AI and designed with business outcomes and employee needs in mind, Legion helps retailers unlock the full potential of every labor hour.

Here’s how:

Forecasting That Adapts to Market Shifts

Legion’s AI-powered Demand Forecasting continuously adapts to real-world conditions—like promotions, weather, and consumer behavior—so labor plans are always aligned with actual demand. Every 1% increase in forecast accuracy drives a 0.5% reduction in labor costs and a 4% boost in sales conversion for transaction-driven businesses.

Automated Scheduling That Saves Time and Money

Manual scheduling drains time and resources. Legion automates the entire process, cutting scheduling time by an average of 5 hours per manager per week and eliminating compliance risks.

Real-Time Budget Alignment

Legion’s real-time budget enforcement and schedule scoring capabilities ensure managers stay within labor targets—while still hitting service and sales goals.

Performance-Driven Labor Planning

Not all hours are created equal. Legion automatically schedules top performers during peak periods to maximize revenue and service quality—turning labor into a lever for growth, not just a cost to control.

Built-In Flexibility and Agility

Whether rebalancing shifts after a late delivery or sharing staff across locations, Legion gives retailers the tools to pivot quickly and efficiently.

Employee-Centric Features Like On-Demand Pay

Legion InstantPay gives workers immediate access to earned wages, helping reduce financial stress, increase shift uptake, and lower absenteeism—without disrupting payroll cycles.

Proven Impact with Fast ROI

Legion isn’t just a smarter way to manage labor—it’s a strategic investment that delivers rapid, measurable impact. Retailers using Legion have seen:

• 13x ROI through reduced overtime, increased productivity, and improved retention
• Faster time-to-value thanks to rapid implementation and easy adoption
• Measurable reductions in labor costs while maintaining—or even improving—service levels

In today’s economic climate—marked by rising wages, inflation, tariff uncertainty, and tightening margins—retailers can’t afford to leave labor efficiency or revenue potential on the table. Legion WFM delivers measurable ROI by helping retailers optimize every labor hour, reduce attrition, align staffing with demand in real time, and schedule top performers where they have the biggest impact. It’s a smarter, more strategic approach to workforce management that protects margins and maximizes every labor hour.

Request a demo to see Legion in action, or let us show you how accurate your demand forecasts can be with Legion’s AI-powered Demand Forecasting with a proof of concept.