Across the country (and the world), manufacturing facilities are facing warehouse worker shortages. Don’t let shifting workforces impact performance — use the right strategies to stay competitive all year round. Empower teams to meet supply chain demands with increased efficiency and morale.
What Caused Material Handling Labor Shortages?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pandemic caused the highest labor shortage that the U.S. has seen in decades. With the rise of health concerns, many warehouse workers also sought career changes, including remote work opportunities.
Today, there are still over 8 million job openings unfilled. Millennials and Gen Z employees significantly contribute to the labor shortage. Instead of seeking physically demanding jobs, many young workers appreciate opportunities for skill development and work-life balance. As older warehouse workers retire, fewer young workers are stepping in to replace them.
Meanwhile, the booming e-commerce industry continues to drive demand. Many consumers prefer the convenience of online shopping, often opting for fast shipping options like same-day and overnight deliveries. To keep up with the pace, fulfillment warehouse must hire, train, and retain workers capable of meeting these tight deadlines.
Discover the Right Solutions for Labor Shortages
As the demand for fast shipping and deliveries continues to rise, businesses must strategize how to manage warehouse labor shortages. Here are a few methods that can meet supply chain demands, maintain good vendor relationships, protect brand reputation and increase revenue over time.
Automation Technologies
Looking for a way to streamline operations? Many warehouses and distribution centers use the latest artificial intelligence (AI), including software systems and robotic equipment to fill gaps caused by labor shortages.
AI-driven analytics provide enhanced visibility and control over operations, improving inventory management, material handling and order fulfillment.
Proper Training and Safety Programs
A motivated team is essential to achieving business goals. During employee training, emphasize how new systems and processes will streamline daily tasks. Give workers the support needed to confidently move forward with these workplace changes.
Setting clear performance expectations and seeking employee feedback shows that their opinions matter. Improving onboarding or training programs can keep teams engaged and satisfied.
Flexible Scheduling and Incentives
Employees benefit from flexibility when dealing with unexpected events like illness or family responsibilities. Flexible schedules encourage employees to balance personal and work-related commitments. The structure helps create a positive work culture and retain skilled workers.
Want another way to boost morale and engagement at work? Provide employees with enticing incentives. Offer comprehensive benefits packages, recognition programs or advancement opportunities to make employees feel valued and appreciated.
Tips for Enhancing Warehouse Management and Efficiency
Here are some strategies to overcome labor shortages and optimize warehouse operations:
- Upgrade data entry and documentation: No more using pen and paper for tracking. Use automated solutions to optimize workflows and minimize the risk of human errors, which is important.
- Eliminate repetitive manual tasks: Invest in digital tools that eliminate repetitive manual tasks. Replace “busy work” with high-value tasks requiring skilled labor.
- Enhance communication: Implement automated warehousing systems to provide real-time updates as items move through the facility.
- Use cloud-based software: Gain greater visibility and management of daily operations. Maintain accurate inventory numbers and speed up the shipping and receiving processes to increase customer satisfaction.
- Implement mobile labeling: Equip workers with mobile devices or mounted printers to reduce unnecessary trips and physical strain. Give forklift operators everything they need to reduce trips back and forth between fixed stations and reduce physical labor throughout shifts.
- Clearly mark hazardous materials: Use OSHA signage to indicate hazardous materials. Ensure employees are properly trained to assess risks, make decisions and handle packages properly.
By adopting these strategies, businesses can better navigate warehouse labor shortages while maintaining high standards of efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Partner With Barclay for Warehouse Labor Solutions
Barclay proudly serves businesses throughout Central and Northern New Jersey and New York. With experience since 1996, we’re the region’s premier provider of material handling solutions. We’re your source for safety training programs, robotic forklift equipment and forklift fleet services tailored to our customers’ needs.
Our knowledgeable, experienced professionals take a consultative approach to answer any questions and help your business choose products or solutions tailored toward your goals. To learn more about how to transform your operations, please contact our team today.
