
Although staffing shortages remained a challenge for the pool and spa industry this season, many business owners found that boosting employee morale by providing a fun, supportive work environment helped retain employees. In fact, several industry professionals noted that motivating employees with competitions and games helped improve their company culture and created a happier work environment.
Games boost morale
Adding sales games are a proven way to boost employee morale and make staff look forward to coming to work. Sales games give staff the chance to earn rewards and recognition, build team spirit, foster a fun work environment and ultimately attract and retain employees.
Getting started: Sales games should be planned in the off-season and scheduled so you are ready for them throughout the busy season. These games are best if played in short time periods, like over a weekend. Smaller, more frequent rewards are also more effective at maintaining staff enthusiasm.

Implementation: As the owner or manager of a retail store, you must lead with enthusiasm and get everyone excited to sell and sell more! Create team spirit by pairing up lab technicians and warehouse staff with a salesperson so if the salesperson wins, everyone wins! Be sure to also check that your business software offers a way to automatically set up and track the games, so that the process is easy to manage and doesn’t create an additional work burden.
“RB Retail & Service Software has game capabilities already built into its business management system so its quick and easy to implement,” explains Eric Cassidy, Vice President of Valley Pool and Spa in Pennsylvania. “The game can be ready in minutes. Simply note which staff members will be players, setup the items or sales goals, the time period and the reward. With the RB business software, management can easily enter the Game Tracker items and print reports instantly to see who won.”
Game training & coaching: Make sure your salespeople are well trained on the game items and they can present them to each customer at the counter in 30 seconds or less. This will allow you to keep the lines moving when you’re busy while also promoting the sale item.

Be a coach in the store and encourage staff to play the game. This is also a good opportunity to see if someone needs help or training with product knowledge or salesmanship skills.
If you already give sales commissions, provide game rewards in addition to commissions. The game rewards don’t need to be big and costly; they just need to add a little excitement. Consider small gift cards to local restaurants, no closing procedures for a week, or a bonus hour of pay.
Recognize the winners: It is important that you congratulate the winner or winners to celebrate their accomplishments. Post the results of the games for everyone to see. The more you spread praise and gratitude, the harder they will try for the next reward. Keeping employees engaged is an easy, fun way to retain staff, improve your company’s work environment, contribute to the overall success and health of your company while also improving your bottom line.