What Warehouse Workers Want: A Strategy for Informed Workforce Decision-Making

March 2, 2016

A new survey reveals what is most important to warehouse workers when they are looking for a job.

Our decision (first made in 2007) to annually survey our warehouse employees, experienced job applicants and our clients’ workers was an easy one. Why? Because we know that most strategic workforce recommendations, decisions and actions have a significant impact on overall productivity.

Insight into the workforce is critical in order to make informed and positive decisions—but not just questions like, “What is most important to you?” or “What is least important?” What was needed was a ‘deeper dive’ into the issues, asking questions not often included before in these types of surveys.

We wanted insight into subjects that—while maybe not top-of-mind to some employers—are very important in the day-to-day world of the warehouse worker. We believe the answers to questions that are not often asked have value. We wanted to go deeper to find out what makes our warehouse employees tick. What are their opinions about subjects like pay, supervision and shift preferences? What do they think about unions? If they switch jobs, what are the most common reasons?

Material Handling & Logistics is an IndustryWeek companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.