By Zebra Technologies

August 10, 2025

Addressing burnout in the retail industry remains a critical priority for all types of businesses. Store associates are having to balance high customer demand, inventory complexity, long hours, and a constant need for optimal efficiency all at once.

In fact, 79 per cent of retail associates feel stressed due to the increasing complexity of their day-to-day work, according to Zebra’s Annual Shopper Study. High stress leads to physical and psychological risks, and if not managed properly, this can result in high turnover rates.

Retailers are constantly looking for ways to streamline workflows and ultimately reduce the burden and turnover on their teams, and one solution gaining traction is wearable technology.

Eighty-five per cent of employees and decision-makers agree that technology better enhances retail workforce stability and future success. Wearable technology, particularly that designed for busy retail workers, offers hands-free convenience, real-time data access, and instant communication. These devices work to enhance efficiency, improve worker safety, and boost productivity.

Let’s take a look at some of the different types of wearables transforming front-line worker productivity.

Bluetooth communication badges

Retail environments thrive on constant, clear, and efficient communication. Wearable badges like the Zebra Technologies WS101 Bluetooth Communication Badge are sleek, compact devices designed to enable seamless communication with minimal interruption. With voice-enabled and hands-free functionality, these badges allow employees to stay connected with colleagues and complete daily tasks paired with a Zebra host device (IE: TC/ET/EM series).

The WS101 enables employees to easily communicate with stockrooms and management in real-time, facilitating quick and accurate stock replenishment. This not only reduces wait times for customers but also ensures a smoother, more efficient store operation, leading to enhanced customer service and higher sales.

For workers in even the most high-demand retail environments, the WS101 ensures that no critical updates are missed. By eliminating the need to chase down information, this device contributes to a streamlined, highly efficient operation, where employees spend less time searching for answers and more time delivering exceptional service.

Wearable computers

Every worker without instant access to information is forced to take more steps and more time to complete tasks, eroding operational efficiency. Retailers are increasingly investing in technology to reduce this burden. In particular, wearable computers enable workers to scan products and track stock levels without needing to stop and locate a handheld device, reducing manual errors and speeding up workflows.

Zebra’s WS501 Android Wearable Computer is the world’s smallest and most powerful Android wearable device available on the market today, with three different wearing styles including wrist, back of hand or finger. This adaptable device is ideal for virtually any task retail staff face. It enables workers to go hands-free in even the most scan-intensive jobs, including picking orders, putting away incoming inventory and loading/unloading incoming and outgoing shipments.

Meanwhile, the RFID model (WS50 RFID) is especially effective in large retail environments, where inventory accuracy and speed are critical. With high-performance UHF RFID functionality, this device can read RFID tags up to 1.5m away, making it ideal for a wide variety of use cases, such as package sorting and item picking.

Both regular and RFID-enabled wearable computers are designed to improve operational workflows by providing retail workers with easy access to essential data and tools. This helps them complete tasks faster and with greater accuracy while maintaining a hands-free approach.

Handheld mobile computers

But it’s not only wearables that are transforming retail – handheld mobile computers also deserve a special mention. Devices like Zebra’s EM45 Series mobile computer offer workers the familiarity and form-factor of a consumer smartphone, combined with the practicality and cutting-edge technology of an enterprise-grade device. Mobile computers enable employees to handle everything from inventory checks to customer requests without the hassle of juggling multiple devices.

Equipped with 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, these devices support instant communication, enhancing coordination across retail departments. And with a variant for built-in RFID functionality, they ensure accurate, real-time inventory tracking, eliminating the need for manual stock counts and reducing stock discrepancies.

The takeaway

Whether it’s wearables or handheld mobile computers, it’s safe to say technology is transforming the retail game. What better way to keep your workers productive and happy than equipping them with world-class technology?

• To learn more about Zebra’s new range of retail technology, please reach out to zebramarketing@primarycommsgroup.com.au.