8:44 am, November 15, 2013
DEALERSHIP staff could come under pressure as the economy continues to improve, according to motor industry recruitment specialist, Jobco-op Automotive.
Research carried out by the company has revealed that new staff recruitment levels tend to fall behind improving financial performance, meaning staff previously affected by the recession have to handle higher levels of pressure as business improves.
Sales director Derek Webb said: ‘It seems like a contradictory effect but it is nearly always the case that greater demands are placed on employees just as dealerships and other motor industry businesses start to come out of recession.
‘Since the credit crunch, many dealerships have understandably tightened staffing levels considerably and, while we are now seeing some growth in new starters, the fundamentally reduced numbers of people are having to handle increased levels of business.’
Webb said it’s understandable that dealers want to delay recruiting more staff until they are sure that any recovery is sustainable, but in the meantime dealership staff could be suffering from high levels of stress, even when the economy is deemed to be on the mend.
He added: ‘It is a situation that can create a high level of stress for your employees at a time when the overall situation is getting better. Dealer managers need to watch out for signs of excessive stress among their employees in order to avoid burnout.’
