The demand for warehouses is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6% over five years. Yet studies indicate that the warehouse industry has one of the highest turnover rates. From 2016 – 2017, 25,000 warehouse employees quit their jobs, meaning more quit than were fired or laid off.
Why is Warehouse Retention Difficult?
To put it simply, warehouse retention is difficult due to labor intensive work at low wages. Because warehouse work rarely comes with benefits, employees are quick to quit when a higher-paying opportunity comes their way.
Here are three secrets to keeping your warehouse employees.
Flexible Shifts
A major complaint warehouse workers have is overwhelming workplace conditions. Flexible shifts allow your employees to have a healthy work-life balance, which increase your retention as employees are then less likely to quit because of stress. Flexible work shifts also show your employees that you care—another way to combat turnover.
Healthy Work Culture
Flexible shifts are a part of a safer and healthier work culture, but more must be done to fight turnover. Warehouse HR managers should seriously consider sufficient time for lunch breaks (paid), attentiveness to work hazards, and clearly set expectations. Employees should not be working in constant fear of losing their jobs due to unforeseen situations. Job security often equals high retention.
Retention Software
Retention software like Refered helps you hire and retain your hourly warehouse workers. It does this through a brilliant referral program that incentivizes your employees to refer quality employees to your warehouse and stay at your company. Contact us for a free demo. Â Â
