Living well in retail handbook 2026

This is our first living well in retail handbook, which draws on findings from our annual health of retail survey. The user-friendly handbook provides quick and easy guidance to help improve your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you.

Created for colleagues, managers and retail leaders, it brings together tools, actions and expert advice to help you build healthier, more supportive workplaces.

Whether you’re looking after your own wellbeing, supporting a team or shaping business culture, this handbook offers practical steps to help everyone in retail thrive.

Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust: “For five years, the health of retail report has shone a light on the wellbeing challenges facing our industry. It has given us an honest picture of the pressures affecting retail workers’ health, happiness and working lives, helping employers better understand where support is needed most.

“The findings matter. But insight alone doesn’t change lives. That’s why this year we’ve taken the next step. We’ve used the findings from our research as the foundation for this practical handbook, bringing together the expertise of retail leaders and workplace wellbeing specialists. Our aim is simple: to turn understanding into action.

“Whether you’re looking after your own wellbeing, supporting a team, or shaping culture across a business, you’ll find practical ideas, proven approaches and expert guidance designed to make a real difference.

“Because healthier workplaces aren’t just created through a single policy or initiative. They’re built through everyday conversations, decisions and actions that help people feel supported, valued and able to thrive. The research shows us where to focus. This handbook is designed to help us take the next step.”