Addressing Shift Work Challenges in Warehousing Through Managed Labor Solutions

The warehousing and distribution sector is currently facing a significant labor challenge, particularly when it comes to filling less desirable second and third shifts. Recent surveys and industry reports highlight a persistent difficulty in attracting and retaining staff for these crucial operating periods, exacerbated by a broader labor shortage across the industry.

The Challenge of Unpopular Shifts

According to a survey conducted by Instawork, a staggering 73% of warehouse operators report difficulties in attracting employees, with fewer than half responding to workers' top request for flexible scheduling.

(https://www.freightwaves.com/news/survey-73-of-warehouse-operators-cant-find-enough-labor).

Furthermore, the industry is experiencing high turnover rates and an increase in union activity, driven by the unsociable hours and the physical demands of these roles.

(https://www.jacksonlewis.com/insights/labor-trends-warehousing-and-distribution-industry-watch).

The Rise of Outsourced Solutions

One promising solution to these challenges is the outsourcing of these less desirable shifts to managed warehouse labor providers. Companies like FHI provide managed labor services that can offer specialized teams to handle second and third shifts, alleviating the burden on traditional workforce models and enhancing flexibility in workforce management.

Benefits of Managed Labor Providers

Managed labor providers like FHI can deliver several key benefits:

Expertise in Shift Management: These providers are experts in managing the complexities associated with night and weekend shifts, ensuring that operations continue smoothly without the additional administrative burden on warehouse operators.

Attracting and Retaining Talent: Managed labor providers often have more robust systems for attracting and retaining employees who prefer or can only work these unconventional hours. This includes offering competitive wages, benefits, and incentives specifically tailored to shift work.

Flexibility and Scalability: Outsourcing allows for greater flexibility and scalability, enabling warehouses to adjust labor levels based on demand without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time staff.

A Case for Outsourcing

Implementing a managed labor solution could be particularly effective for companies struggling with the cyclical nature of warehouse demand, which often sees spikes during holiday seasons or sales periods. Providers like FHI have the infrastructure to quickly scale up operations, ensuring that warehouses can meet increased demand without the usual lead time and training associated with hiring new staff.

The persistent challenges of staffing second and third shifts in warehouses necessitate innovative approaches. Outsourcing these shifts to specialized managed labor providers offers a viable solution that not only addresses the immediate labor shortages but also contributes to more sustainable and efficient operations. By leveraging the expertise and resources of providers like FHI, warehouse operators can overcome the hurdles of night and weekend shifts, ultimately leading to improved service levels and operational resilience.

FHI, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, exemplifies the success of such outsourcing strategies. Serving top-tier customers, we have refined our expertise in labor management, maximizing productivity and efficiency within distribution centers. For companies aiming to stay ahead, partnering with a seasoned provider like FHI offers a proven pathway to realizing these substantial gains.

For additional information about our Managed Labor Solutions, visit us online at FHIWORKS.com.