ReThink Productivity Podcast

Send us a text We unpack Method Time Measurement (MTM) with ReThink Productivity’s Simon Woodfield and Ed Thompson, from its 1940s roots to modern use with motion capture and VR. The chat explains how MTM coding works, and why fair, consistent standards matter. • Origins of MTM • Motion codes, influence factors and TMUs explained • When to use MTM versus a stopwatch • Hybrid approaches for fixed steps and variable customer moments • Training pathways and the main MTM variants • Building quick business cases with what‑if scenarios • Leveraging CAD, VR and motion capture for pre‑build timing • Ergonomic insights alongside time standards Find out more at the UKMTM Website We just wanted to remind everybody that as of 1st January 2026, the UK MTM Association is now part of ReThink Productivity #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat We dig into why Black Friday footfall held up while November spending slumped, and what that split means for December. We talk inflation turning to deflation in fashion and furniture, caution on inventory, and the ripple effects that hit suppliers when retailers stumble. • Footfall marginally down on Black Friday day, week up 1.1% year on year • November spend down 7% in towns and cities, steepest since July • Budget jitters and weather weighing on sentiment • Christmas timing supports a late pre‑holiday push • December growth outlook moved from +1.5% to flat • BRC: food drives growth, non‑food barely moves • Inventory discipline favours sell‑through over deep January markdowns • Fashion and furniture show deflation amid heavy discounting • Employment and housing trends dampen big‑ticket demand #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights We unpack the wage rise headlines and the quiet costs they trigger up the ladder, then move to peak‑time realities: queues, break timing, and the real use of self‑checkout. We finish with fast wins in quick‑serve layouts and why adoption fails without hands‑on coaching. • Wage increases by age bands and implications for costs • Compression of supervisory pay differentials • Leaders pulled into front‑line tasks reducing leadership capacity • Queues at peak despite self‑checkout availability • Break timing clashing with customer demand • Micro‑improvements in quick‑serve cycle times • Layout tweaks, tool placement, and motion design • Training and engagement to adopt new kit and processes Keep an eye out for those queues at peak, everybody listening, and see if you can identify the issues, we'll be back in the new year #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text We gave NotebookLM our record breaking blog to see what happened when they turned it into a podcast... We examine how modern time and motion studies expose hidden waste, translate seconds into savings, and protect sustainable pace. From Taylor and the Gilbreths to sensors and benchmarks, we map the methods, the maths, and the immediate actions that cut costs without cutting quality • Spotting inefficiency in everyday work • Time versus motion as separate measurements • Resource planning using standard times and allowances • Micro savings through layout and sequence changes • Example maths for staffing and throughput • Study types: activity, efficiency, role, predetermined • History of Taylor and the Gilbreths • Quantifying financial waste from poor scheduling • Modern tech: video, sensors, software analysis • Benchmarking click and collect performance • Practical ergonomic and staffing changes • Continuous improvement as the new one best way Not only will our approach to a Time and Motion Study plot out exactly where you stand versus where you could be, but our analysts will provide practical steps on how to help you get there, saving you time, effort and, ultimately, money Contact our team today More information on Time and Motion Studies can be found in our whitepaper – our experts’ views into how modern techniques are bringing about new productivity insights. Download here >> #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat In this episode we cover why average transaction value now matters more than footfall, and how Black Friday has shifted the peak. We share sector signals, consumer confidence trends, and what the budget and labour market mean for Q4 • Footfall softness versus inflation-adjusted sales decline • Average transaction value as core survival metric • Examples of ATV growth in small towns • Discounting patterns and price guarantees in Black Friday • Staffing planning shifting towards November peak • Sector signals in health and beauty and fashion • Consumer confidence at minus 19 and job market risk • Online share stabilising and omnichannel basics that matter #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Productivity Pulse Episode 1 Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights We dig into why efficiency swings across sites, how that volatility hurts peak service, and what workload models can do to stabilise performance. We also show how role drift reduces leadership time and how structured interviews add a 360 view that turns data into action. • Variable efficiency index and why it matters • Removing slack and the risks at peak • Tactical fixes for rotas, breaks and coverage • Building a robust workload model linked to WFM • Reallocating budget to balance the estate • Role studies revealing leadership time drift • Restating manager expectations and blockers • Structured interviews adding qualitative insight • Turning insights into consistent employee and customer experience #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text 🚨 Podcast Reboot Alert! The ReThink Productivity Podcast is Back—and Smarter Than Ever! 🚀 We're thrilled to announce the official reboot of the ReThink Productivity Podcast with a brand-new format and a commitment to delivering high-impact, actionable insights twice a month Our new focus is simple: Less Noise, More Intelligence We’ll now be releasing two essential episodes per month—a mix of deep-dive interviews and actionable, data-driven insights—perfect for busy leaders who need to stay ahead of the curve The Relaunch Lineup (Your First Two Episodes): 🎙️ Episode 1. The Productivity Pulse (Early Month) Data-Driven Action:Sue, Simon, & JamesLearn from Real-World Wins:💡Episode 2. Basket & Barometer (Late Month) Elevated Insights:Diane WehrleFor leaders in Operations, Strategy, and HR, this podcast provides the modern tools to build a smarter, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable business #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text We weigh the real trade‑offs of building AI in‑house versus buying and configuring proven tools, and map a practical route from pilot to production without blowing the budget. Clear steps on data, governance, ethics, and IP help you create value you can measure. #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Notebook LM has had some significant updates over the last few weeks Have a listen to the latest iteration of a Notebook LM created podcast based on ReThink marketing materials #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text We dig into practical AI that saves time: personal LLMs, embedded features already in your tools, and AI‑native agents that take action, not just give answers. We share proof points, pitfalls, and simple ways teams can adopt safely and quickly. #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text We strip away the jargon and show how to use AI as an assist that lifts productivity, trust, and measurable outcomes. From data readiness to culture, governance to first use cases, we focus on steps that turn hype into results. #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Theo Gott and Mark Stacey from ModusForce discuss the evolving landscape of workforce management and how their Dayforce implementation expertise helps organisations maximise efficiency and employee satisfaction. • The WFM market is experiencing 20% growth globally with key trends including AI automation, flexible working arrangements, and legislative changes • Advanced scheduling combines WFM capabilities with automated scheduling and budgeting to deliver significant operational efficiencies • The "perfect schedule" is a myth – successful implementations aim for 80-90% automation while preserving the crucial human element • Modus Force offers a Minimum Viable Product approach that delivers advanced WFM capabilities in under five days, providing immediate benefits • Unified HCM solutions like Dayforce eliminate the need for complex integrations between separate HR, scheduling and payroll systems • Successful WFM implementations require managing change impact effectively, developing a clear roadmap, and prioritising data management Reach Theo at theo@modusforce.com and Mark at mark@modusforce.com #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends.August retail sales dipped 4.8% year-on-year despite stable footfall, with fashion and general retail taking significant hits. Consumers are demonstrating caution by making fewer transactions while spending slightly more per purchase, reflecting broader economic uncertainty and diminished confidence • Consumer confidence remains low at -19 according to GFK's Consumer Confidence Index • The savings ratio has reached its highest level since COVID, indicating people are saving rather than spending • Mortgage approvals have dropped 2.4% compared to last August's 15.5% rise • Upcoming November budget, rising unemployment, and global conflicts all contribute to consumer caution • Q4 forecast predicts October sales down 3%, November down 1%, but December up 1.5% • Food and drink remains strong at 25% of town centre sales • Health and beauty continues to perform well, showing opportunity for retailers #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Tom Coe, VP of Growth at Retail Insights, shares how data-driven solutions can tackle the perennial challenges of retail operations while empowering store colleagues to deliver better customer service • Retail Insight provides in-store operations analytics software for over 50,000 stores globally • The complexity of modern retail operations creates compliance challenges as colleagues juggle multiple responsibilities • Process execution suffers when labour models are tight and colleagues are overwhelmed with competing priorities • Date checking for fresh products exemplifies a mundane but critical process where poor execution leads to waste and financial loss • Smart systems can track inventory expiration dates and direct colleagues to check only specific items requiring attention • Data collected provides valuable analytics for head office teams to improve forecasting, ranging, and supply chain decisions • Successful AI implementation in retail requires balancing technological sophistication with practical simplicity • Data quality is essential for any effective retail technology solution • Future applications include democratizing analytics through conversational AI and enhancing root cause analysis #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text We recap the highlights from the Productivity Forum 2025, diving into key presentations and insights that left attendees buzzing with new ideas about retail productivity. • Alex Rezvan kicked off the event with insights on retail's evolution toward non-transactional, cultural spaces that are highly tech-enabled • Halfords shared their productivity journey and implementation successes • The Innovation Lounge featured eight partner companies showcasing technological solutions in a treasure hunt format • Harding Retail presented unique challenges of running shops on cruise ships with limited space and connectivity • Current insights session explored emerging retail trends and changing industry dynamics • Graham Wilson closed the forum with strategies for making change happen and engaging people effectively • Forum 11 is scheduled for September 2026 with registration already open Registration for next year's forum is now open. Register using the link below... https://rethinkproductivity.co.uk/productivity-forum/ #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2026 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Rob Bate, Co Founder at FrontlineXP, shares insights from his extensive retail experience and explains how FrontlineXP is working to improve the experience of customer-facing employees through innovative technology solutions • Frontline workers and operations teams are chronically underserved by technology and expertise • The genesis of FrontlineXP came from wanting to help retail operations teams improve profitability and performance • Successful transformation requires balancing technology, business process changes, and frontline worker experiences • AI differs from automation in its ability to learn, adapt, and make decisions based on multiple data inputs • Real-world AI applications are emerging in closed-loop workflows like Starbucks' drink preparation optimization • Clean, comprehensive data is essential for effective AI implementation - "eat your vegetables" before expecting results • Using AI primarily to reduce headcount in customer-facing roles undermines the service experience • Technology should enhance rather than replace human interactions in retail environments • Properly implemented AI can reduce employee stress, improve decision-making, and create more flexible scheduling • Bringing loyalty and omnichannel data to associates can enable personalized service that doesn't feel like forced upselling #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2025 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends. July retail data shows positive signs with spending down only 1.4% compared to 8.5% in June, though footfall decreased by 1.7% as consumers remain cautious with their spending. The warm weather has encouraged more UK residents to holiday at home, redirecting spending into local economies rather than abroad. • Five key retail sectors (fashion, food and drink, general retail, grocery, health and beauty) all showed improvement in July • Fashion rebounded from being 10.8% down in June to just 3.2% down in July • Employment is up 0.7% year-on-year to 4.7%, with youth unemployment rising 14.1% • Interest rate reductions benefit mortgage holders but impact savers • The approaching "Golden Quarter" (Halloween through Christmas) will be challenging but crucial • Early and extended discounting is likely as retailers may over-order based on July's improved performance • Weather continues to be a significant factor in retail performance Looking ahead to August, if the good weather continues and staycations remain popular, we might see further improvements in retail spending figures #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2025 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text James Bolle, Rethink Productivity's Head of Insight Development, reveals how businesses can transform raw productivity data into meaningful insights that drive tangible improvements. His career-spanning mission has focused on helping organisations make better decisions through data analysis, quality processes, and contextualisation. If you've enjoyed this episode, visit the Rethink Productivity website for more podcasts and resources to help your organisation improve efficiency and productivity. #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2025 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with his thoughts on the dynamic world of retail productivity, challenging traditional assumptions to uncover hidden costs and untapped opportunities in modern retail operations. Retail businesses face a productivity paradox where despite working harder and implementing efficiency measures, many find themselves "sprinting to stand still" as costs rise and operations grow more complex. Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with crucial insights into navigating this challenging landscape through systemic changes rather than incremental tweaks. • Understanding true operational costs requires forensic analysis of processes like stock replenishment • Modern technology enables unprecedented insights - computer vision, ESL systems, and digital tracking reveal inefficiencies • Retail front ends must evolve beyond traditional tills to handle self-checkout, click-and-collect, and third-party parcels • Radical "what if" scenarios challenge sacred cows: stores without managers, remote field visits, and elimination of stock counting • Digital twins of stores, AI-powered inductions, and open banking represent the cutting edge of retail innovation • The productivity principle: get the right work done by the right role at the right cost • Critical approach: identify and eliminate non-value-added processes before attempting to digitize or automate them Link to the original article can be found here... ReThinking Retail #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2025 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn

Send us a text Matthew Haywood, Owner of WFM Consulting, a seasoned retail expert with over 25 years of experience, shares his framework for effective workforce management through seven essential pillars. He dispels common myths about auto-scheduling while providing practical insights into achieving the elusive "right people, right place, right time" goal that transforms both customer and colleague experiences. • Understanding the five key challenges: mindset, capability, confidence, simplicity, and adoption • Exploring the seven pillars framework: operating hours, forecasting, labour deployment, contracted hours, availability, work assignments, and skill sets • Debunking the myth that auto-scheduling is a "magic button" solution – expect to achieve 80-85% automation at best • Recognising that small increases in flexibility across staff can make significant scheduling improvements • Challenging the assumption that part-time workers provide more scheduling flexibility than full-time staff • Publishing schedules at least three weeks in advance to improve colleague work-life balance • Viewing effective workforce management as an opportunity to reinvest hours strategically rather than simply cutting costs #theproductivityexperts Register for the 2025 Productivity Forum Find us in the Top 50 Productivity Podcasts Connect to Simon on LinkedIn Follow ReThink on LinkedIn