Burnout. The great resignation. Quiet quitting. What do these things have in common? They imply a bigger issue at hand than just a few workers leaving their jobs. One industry not immune to this trend is warehousing, which has faced some serious challenges in the last couple of years. In this crucial industry that provides basically everything for us, warehouse worker burnout can impact not just one specific business, but the entire country.
Unpacking Warehouse Worker Burnout
Recently LGC had the opportunity to speak with a supervisor who is feeling the effects of warehouse worker burnout. So much so that he’s considering leaving a position that once satisfied so many of his “must-haves” when he was initially looking for a new job. Why? Because of burnout and an overall lack of concern from management regarding the sudden changes they made.
This supervisor (who works for a leading foodservice storage company) suddenly had his schedule changed with no notice to account for a security issue that put a hold on getting shipments out. Previously working 40 hours a week from Monday-Friday, he was now told his schedule would be Monday-Saturday and between 50-60 hours a week. Mandatory.
As an hourly worker, he’s eligible for overtime. But as we all (should) know about the current workforce, money isn’t everything. HRDive reports that “poor work-life balance” is the top reason workers resign. And that they’re so desperate for equality between personal and professional lives, that they’re willing to adhere to a “work-life blend” which means the two aren’t entirely separate, just…well blended.
If your warehouse is facing challenges that call for a higher workload, hammering down on your current team and implementing a longer schedule might not be the best option. For one, it will likely cause warehouse worker burnout. Burnout can cause employees to lose motivation and focus, feel exhausted, and create a sense of detachment. This can be very dangerous for operations depending on what line of work your warehouse is in.
You could also cause a mass exodus out of frustration from the schedule change. What if employees have post-work engagements or childcare scheduling conflicts? You’ll also signify that your employee’s wellbeing isn’t a priority. All these factors will lead to being short-staffed. Which will lead to decreased productivity and lower production – the problem you were trying to solve in the first place.
The warehouse supervisor we spoke with is an ideal employee. He’ll show up early and stay late. He’s willing to learn and wants to grow in his position and industry. And he’s got the right technical experience and soft skills. Does this sound like an employee you want to lose out on, or someone you want to retain for as long as possible? We’re guessing it’s the latter.
What if, instead of taking steps that led to warehouse worker burnout, you found a solution that gave you the labor you need without compromising your current team?
Partnering with a staffing firm is one way to take some of the pressure off your employees while still having the workforce you need to get the job done. Whether you’re requesting workers for several weeks or one day here or there, partnering with a staffing firm you can trust is a great option for warehouses that are facing staffing constraints due to supply chain challenges.
Warehouse worker burnout impacts everyone, not just the employee who is experiencing it. If you want to prevent further hiring and recruiting challenges in the future, look into finding a staffing partner who understands your needs and can help you reach your goals.
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MarketStaff is a division of LGC that’s primary focus is providing employees for all aspects of operations from the factory to the floor. Based in St. Louis, Mo, we partner with clients across the country in over 40 cities to connect them with great warehouse employees that fit their needs. Working closely together, MarketStaff will customize a plan to recruit warehouse and distribution professionals based on your job description and requirements. Contact us today to learn how we can reduce warehouse worker burnout while still allowing you to meet your needs.