Ensuring your business runs smoothly is essential, but when there is not enough to do, although your staff may hang around for security purposes they are not generally fulfilled. One ofthe biggest things that people say,  it that they 'love to be busy'..are we all simply wanting to live our lives quickly or is it that getting home, out for dinner or to the beach for a swim after work iswhen we want things to slow down..? But in reality not having enoughto do is a simple form of torture for many.

Inan fashion environment I see the cross over of many roles, where skills can be shared and costs can be managed. Here are a few examples thatwill ensure busy days..

Retail

RetailStore staff taking on the responsibility of instore merchandising andstock room. Particularly in retail, many people are looking forvariety so combining a visual merchandising component or stock controlcomponent can be very positive. But here visual guides and trainingare essential. Spend resources and time on creating brand guidelinesfor VM and distribute them to the stores rather than employing a largecostly VM team to manage the VM installations. With stock control, some simple training will do the trick.

Alsoon the retail front combining Buyer Assistant roles with planningresponsibilities in an option as is the employment of Product DeveloperBuyers in an exclusive brand environment.

Production / Manufacturing

HereI feel there are many options. Combining a Production Management rolewith Warehouse Management for example and combining a local productioncoordination role with either imports or purchasing of raw materials isalso a strong option. The skills have a flow on effect in theoperational flow of a manufacturing business and suit being combined.

Design Room

Designalso provides options. A Design Assistant can always take on theresponsibilities of costing, QC and sample cutting, whilst apatternmaker can also take on QC responsibilities. It may be met withsome trepidation from employees within the design room to take on theseadditional responsibilities,  but they go hand in hand, and well it isbetter to be employed and do more than not!

Theidea is to continue to get the job done whilst making sure everyone isused in the most effective way possible. I challenge you all toappraise your teams and really identify just how busy everyone is andif not,  combine roles to ensure their days are full filled, the hourspass quickly and you improve your bottom line profitability...