Maintaining productivity levels is a primary concern for two thirds (65%) of warehouse personnel. This is according to a survey which asked 800 warehouse workers across the US, UK and Germany what the most critical issues warehouse and logistics businesses have to address are. However, despite the emphasis on acquiring the right people, there are consistent problems. In June 2022, CILT UK found that 80% of organisations were experiencing staff shortages in the warehouse.
As supply chain pressures tentatively ease, an Indeed Flex analysis of ONS data has found that demand for UK warehouse workers has risen by 43% compared with pre-pandemic levels. The data suggests that the ongoing struggle to maintain productivity through retaining talent will continue in the coming months and years.
The research, which was commissioned by ProGlove, leader in wearable barcode scanners, found 42% of respondents flagging staff exhaustion, fatigue & physical or medical conditions as a crucial concern.
Despite shortages, in terms of implementing changes, most workers report that their company isn’t planning to implement advanced technologies in their warehouse. This suggests a lack of investment in the technologies that can plug the gap between increased demand and reduced staff, as well as reduce picking errors and injuries.
Commenting on the research, Ilhan Kolko, CPO of ProGlove, commented, “Resilience comes from a well-equipped, motivated and safe workforce with transparent and extensive knowledge of their roles and processes. Investing in human-centred technology, and seeking out efficiency gains built around the human worker, can provide the stability warehouses are looking for.”
