Help Wanted in Warehouses: Here’s How to Hire and Keep Warehouse Workers

Most analysts predict online sales to grow—exasperating an already severe shortage of warehouses and warehouse workers. One thing confirmed during the pandemic: we love having stuff delivered to our homes. Why go to the store when the store comes to you? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, ecommerce sales totaled $1.581 billion during the first quarter of 2021, up 39.1% from the year before. According to Zebra’s Warehousing Vision Study, 60% of surveyed warehouse operators report labor recruitment and productivity are among their top challenges.

Cause and Effect

Some employers say enhanced unemployment benefits are contributing to the shortage of workers. Many workers have made the economic choice to stay home. Why risk your health for low wages when you can collect more on unemployment? Current unemployment benefits have given low-wage workers the liberty to leave less-than-satisfactory work environments and conditions.

Diane Swonk, the chief economist at Grant Thornton, told Mercury News she thinks part of the problem is the huge number of older workers who retired. “Retirements, which accelerated during the pandemic, are the primary challenge. Employers will need to cast their nets more widely and abandon ageism to bring back older workers who left the labor market during the pandemic.”

Analysts told USA Today that many people are not returning to work because of health concerns and worries about providing child or elder care. The Washington Post reports more…