opinion

How to Create Long-Term Investment, Commitment Among Employees

How to Create Long-Term Investment, Commitment Among Employees

In a country driven by progress, upward mobility and capitalism, we often forget what success truly looks like and means. We prioritize profit over people, and in doing so cannot maintain employees and staff. No wonder that, in what was called the Great Resignation, over 38 million individuals quit their jobs in 2021. Changing that culture is a daunting task, but we can start by looking closer to home.

The adult retail market is expected to grow to a $52.7 billion industry by 2026, but whom are we allowing to share in the success and financial rewards of this growth? We may win awards for our businesses and leadership, but none of that would be remotely possible without the countless employees who put in incalculable amounts of time and effort to make and sell the products we profit from. They deserve to be invested in. That means investigating our internal structures and practices to ensure that we are truly progressive from top to bottom, with an essential focus on the foundations of our success and especially our employees, without whom we would not be the industry we are today.

As this industry grows and our companies get richer, we have a human, moral and practical obligation to share that wealth.

Adult retail and sexual wellness is booming, so there is no excuse for employees to be living paycheck to paycheck without benefits, support and possibility for growth. Most of the wealth is sitting at the top while those who are the backbone of this industry — sales staff and reps, production teams and stock associates — have to settle for a store discount, pizza party, or free product every so often. We can do better, by implementing an industry standard minimum wage that represents appropriate compensation for workers’ talents and skills and offering significant benefits like health insurance, gym memberships, professional development programs, staff retreats, and even assisted continuing education programs. That’s how we create long-term investment and commitment among employees.

Professional development is key to a successful staff. Present resources for staff to expand their breadth of knowledge of this business and the field of sexuality. There is a wide array of free business programs available online through sites such as Coursera where staff can take courses from accredited institutions such as Harvard, Dartmouth and Wharton on retail essentials and business strategies. Don’t merely convey sales goals to staff — equip them with the knowledge to understand your business goals, how to achieve them and what the overall big picture is of the business. When people can comprehend and visualize the intricacies of why that $5 add-on lube is essential and key to sales, there will be more drive and ambition to make those add-on sales and to achieve goals. Invest in sexual health and wellness certifications for staff. Work with sexual health education centers and professionals such as Anne Hodder-Shipp and Everyone Deserves Sex Education to create a program that caters to the needs of your staff. By educating staff on the nuances and intricacies of business and pleasure, you create a quality space where your customers can come, explore and spend. The ROI is evident.

Benefits are essential for maintaining employees and reducing turnover. According to the National Retail Federation, the average retail turnover is 60%, which accrues over $19 billion in costs. To increase employee retention, I propose we not only improve our hiring practices and workplace culture, but also implement an adequate benefits program that delivers true value, such as the distribution of company stock to employees. Show them the success of the business is just as much theirs as it is yours. Giving shares of the business to employees helps them become an integral part of the business and supplies drive and inspiration to succeed. Benefits should also include company-sponsored health insurance, paid vacation, sick and mental health days, student loan repayment assistance, and even parental leave and childcare support. Solid, inclusive and enticing benefits programs attract top talent while creating a sustainable and profitable workplace environment.

Employees are investing in you; you must invest in them. An industry-wide minimum wage should be implemented to guarantee the mass wage gap is diminished and that players across the board can work in this industry at a rate that allows them to live comfortably. The U.S. minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is unacceptable as the cost of living and inflation have increased dramatically. A $20-per-hour minimum wage, plus commission and extra incentives, would ensure that individuals can not only survive in this industry, but thrive. As this industry grows and our companies get richer, we have a human, moral and practical obligation to share that wealth.

With higher pay, enhanced benefits programs, and professional development, we can tackle our high turnover rate, appropriately elevate our staff, and create quality spaces for our customers to shop, which in return will allow us to further benefit and profit. When we come together, we succeed together.

Kit Richardson is the lead product manager at the Museum of Sex in New York City.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Tips for Keeping the Adult Retail Trade Show Momentum Going

Trade shows are a whirlwind of energy, excitement and opportunities. You spend days on a vibrant, buzzing show floor, making valuable connections and discovering innovative and exciting new products. You spend time, energy and money to be a part of this fabulous circus.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

2025's Top Tech Trends That Adult Retailers Should Know About

I just got back from the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo, also known as “Retail’s Big Show,” where I walked the floor, sat in on key panels, talked with industry experts and influencers, and did my best to sift through the b.s. so I could report back to you all on the things you need to care about.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Understanding the Importance of Graphic Design in Sexual Wellness Social Media Marketing

In the world of social media, graphic design is more than just making things look visually appealing — it’s a vital tool in shaping and maintaining a brand’s identity. Your social media is your storefront, so aesthetics mean everything.

Hannah McManus ·
opinion

How Adult Retail Is Shaping Sexual Health One Customer at a Time

Remember back in health class, when they taught us about boundaries, consent and how many nerve endings are in the clitoris? Of course you don’t, because it didn’t happen. In fact, sex education is still severely lacking in much of the U.S.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
trends

Meet the Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands of 2025

Over the past year, the pleasure industry has witnessed the emergence of new brands across various adult retail categories — brands that are now entering 2025 with ambitious goals for success and growth in their sophomore year.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Nefertiti Mitchell

Local retailers are the backbone of the pleasure industry. Driven by passionate business owners who are deeply dedicated to sexual wellness, brick-and-mortar stores serve as safe spaces that uplift and delight customers — while greasing the wheels of commerce for manufacturers and distributors.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Industry Vet Mike Savage Discusses Comeback, Goals With Full Circle Distribution

"We never know where life’s going to take us,” says Mike Savage. He should know. The pleasure biz veteran, who describes himself as “a poor Irish kid from Philly,” first made his name in the adult retail biz over the course of a nearly 40-year career.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Sensually Yours Founder Shellee Rose on Boosting Sex Positivity in Hawaii

Honolulu pleasure store Sensually Yours has served Hawaii for 40 years, establishing itself as a top destination for adult products. Founder and President Shellee Rose says her most important strategy for achieving four decades of success has been prioritizing customers.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
opinion

Westridge Labs Celebrates the History, Future of ID Lubricants Brand

If you work in adult retail, you know ID Lubricants. With its classic, clear bottles and consumer-friendly pricing, ID has maintained a home on brick-and-mortar shelves since the brand’s inception, way back when physical stores were still the name of the pleasure game.

Colleen Godin ·
Show More