Given labor shortages, supply chain issues, and expectations of same-day...
A well-trained and motivated workforce is often the secret to a business’s success. That is why both hiring and retaining the best workers is crucial for warehouse management.
Supply chain industry growth, increasing demand, and labor shortages have made it more difficult than ever for warehouse managers to hold onto their best workers. Understanding how to attract and retain the best warehouse employees can make all the difference for your business.
The first thing that most prospective warehouse workers are going to look for in a job opening is fair compensation. The same is true for current employees considering their future options.
Competitive pay is important since the current labor shortage has led to many employers increasing their pay, but it is not the only thing that matters. Workers are also focused on securing certain benefits, such as health insurance, pensions, and other financial incentives. Fair compensation alone might not be enough to attract and retain the best workers, but it is a good place to start.
Another way to attract and keep the best warehouse employees in the job market is to implement flexible scheduling options. For many prospective workers, convenient working hours are a major selling point.
While implementing flexibility in your warehouse’s scheduling may be a time-consuming and challenging process, workers who are given a convenient schedule that avoids long hours and makes their outside responsibilities easier to manage are more likely to stay with a company for the long-term.
Feeling inadequate or unprepared for a job is one surefire way to decrease worker satisfaction. Insufficiently trained employees will likely become frustrated when attempting to perform a job for which they are unprepared. From following company protocols, to dealing with the technical challenges of the job, a lack of training can leave workers unnecessarily frustrated. Your goal as a warehouse manager should be to set your workers up for success in all areas.
Training is also important for maintaining worker safety. No employee wants to be in an unsafe work environment, and a lack of adequate safety training could increase the risk of a serious workplace injury. A comprehensive training program could serve to keep workers safe, help them better understand their jobs, and give them the skills they need to further their careers.
One of the best ways to attract, and then retain great employees is to provide them with an opportunity to move up in the company. Upward mobility is not only a good way to retain workers but could also be leveraged as a recruitment tool for new hires.
Pointing to warehouse workers who have advanced in your company is an effective way to sell a job opening. For many warehouse employees, feeling as though they have an opportunity to advance through the ranks is the primary reason they stay with a company.
Despite your best efforts, it might not always be possible to retain your best workers. If you are struggling to address staffing issues and retain warehouse employees, you could benefit from working with a 3PL provider like Brown West Logistics. To learn more about how a 3PL provider could help in your situation, contact us right away.
