70% of NRF’s Top 100 Retailers Rely on UKG to Enhance People Experiences
UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions, will be taking center stage at the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2025 Retail’s Big Show in New York City on January 12. At the event, Michael C. Bush, CEO of UKG’s Great Place To Work division, will deliver a highly anticipated keynote alongside Brian Cornell, CEO of Target, and two other key leaders from Target. The session will delve into the vital role that team culture plays in navigating volatility and driving sustainable long-term growth in the retail sector.
“Being a great place to work helps fuel a great place to shop, and propels successful retailers for years to come,” said Michael C. Bush. He emphasized how UKG’s solutions, designed to serve retailers of all sizes, offer features that support both corporate and frontline employees. “UKG’s Great Place To Work has the data to transform HR metrics into actionable opportunities, helping drive productivity and strengthen workplace culture,” Bush noted.
UKG’s Impact on the Retail Sector
UKG’s suite of solutions, including UKG Pro Workforce Management™ technology, is widely trusted across the retail industry, with 70% of the National Retail Federation’s Top 100 Retailers using UKG’s technology to improve workplace experiences. By leveraging real-time data insights, UKG technology plays a key role in improving business performance, employee satisfaction, and productivity within the retail landscape. UKG’s approach to workforce management is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by retail organizations, enhancing team culture and helping retailers thrive despite external volatility.
In particular, UKG has become an indispensable partner for retail companies, offering AI-powered solutions that focus on three critical areas:
- Enhancing the Employee Experience
- Optimizing the Workforce
- Driving Digital Transformation
Understanding the Needs of Frontline Workers
A key factor driving UKG’s success in retail is its ability to address the evolving needs of frontline workers, a crucial segment of the retail workforce. Recent UKG data reveals that 55% of all frontline workers seek greater flexibility, with this number rising significantly to 79% for retail employees who specifically want flexible hours and self-scheduling capabilities.
UKG’s technology suite, such as UKG Bryte™, utilizes AI to generate real-time people and culture insights that often remain unseen in traditional systems. This includes providing retailers with the data needed to effectively allocate staff, forecast workforce requirements, and maintain the delicate balance of flexibility and operational needs. By offering flexibility and improving work-life balance, UKG supports retailers in enhancing their employee retention and engagement.
Core Solutions Driving Retail Success
UKG’s diverse range of solutions plays an essential role in improving productivity, performance, and communication across the workforce. Some of the key features of UKG’s suite of tools include:
- Advanced Scheduling: UKG’s advanced scheduling tools enable retailers to create dynamic schedules that align with employee preferences, skills, and store requirements. This functionality supports workforce optimization by ensuring that the right people are scheduled for the right shifts, helping improve productivity and employee satisfaction.
- UKG Strategic Workforce Planning: This solution empowers HR, operations, and finance teams to collaborate and proactively identify long-term workforce needs, ensuring retailers are better prepared for future demand. By aligning resources and efforts across departments, UKG helps businesses plan for growth and sustainability.
- UKG Talk®: UKG Talk facilitates real-time communication across the workforce, helping improve employee engagement, streamline operations, and strengthen collaboration. This tool is particularly valuable for retail businesses, where communication between frontline staff and corporate teams is critical for efficient operations.
- UKG Wallet™: UKG Wallet transforms how employees are paid by providing them with on-demand access to their wages once a shift has been completed. This earned wage access and financial wellness platform enhances employee satisfaction and financial security, which in turn leads to improved retention and productivity.
- UKG Great Place To Work® Hub: This platform leverages HR data to turn culture initiatives into actionable insights. It helps retailers connect culture programs with business outcomes, ultimately contributing to a more positive and productive workplace environment. By aligning business goals with workforce culture, UKG ensures that organizations are fostering an environment that supports long-term success.
Testimonials from Retail Leaders
Retail leaders have praised UKG for its positive impact on employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. Jessica Foster, Senior HR Operations Manager at Leslie’s, Inc., one of the country’s leading pool and spa retailers, shared her experience with UKG’s Pro suite. The company operates over 1,000 retail stores, employing thousands of hourly associates and service technicians. Foster highlighted how UKG has simplified life for their frontline staff, offering solutions that address their unique needs. “The overall support from UKG gives me confidence as I lead the HR operations team to fulfill the needs of our employees,” said Foster, emphasizing the positive difference UKG has made in Leslie’s HR operations.
The Role of Culture in Retail Success
The focus on culture is central to UKG’s approach to HR and workforce management. By recognizing the importance of fostering a positive and engaging work environment, UKG helps retailers create workplaces where employees are motivated, productive, and loyal. As Michael C. Bush explained in his upcoming keynote, “Being a great place to work is not just about employee satisfaction — it directly impacts customer satisfaction and business success. Retailers who invest in their teams and culture are more likely to be successful in the long term.”
Retailers attending the NRF’s Big Show will hear firsthand from Bush and Cornell about how culture plays a significant role in navigating the challenges of today’s retail landscape. The session will explore how investing in the team, fostering engagement, and supporting flexibility can help retailers adapt to changing market conditions and maintain a competitive edge.
Join the Conversation at NRF 2025
For those attending NRF 2025, the keynote with Michael Bush and Brian Cornell will take place on Sunday, January 12 from 2:00-2:30pm ET at the Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theater. Retail professionals are encouraged to attend this session to gain valuable insights on how to build a strong, resilient culture that drives growth. UKG representatives will also be available for one-on-one meetings or demonstrations at booth #5020.
About UKG
UKG is committed to helping organizations become great places to work by offering innovative HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions. With a focus on people and business outcomes, UKG serves over 80,000 organizations across various industries and geographies. The company’s suite of solutions combines the world’s largest collection of people, work, and culture data, leveraging AI to deliver actionable insights that help organizations drive productivity, engagement, and business success.
UKG’s technology is built to support organizations of all sizes, and its solutions empower HR and operations teams to make more confident decisions that positively impact both people and business outcomes.
