Like other industries, warehouse employers value specific skills. Employees who demonstrate those skills might find that opportunities for career advancement come their way more easily than they do for others.
Many industries value reliability, trustworthiness, and punctuality. Workers who cannot provide those qualities to their employer may not keep a job for long.
Although some valuable warehouse skills might only develop after years of experience and training, possessing certain skills could be helpful for entry-level workers. Luckily, these skills could be obtained by anyone, regardless of their education. Below are several soft skills that warehouse employers often look for in their workers.
Most warehouse jobs require that team members communicate with other employees. Workers who have difficulty voicing their opinions or are uncomfortable interacting with others might find warehouse work challenging. However, people who communicate easily and effectively often find their employers appreciate that quality.
Workers might be especially valuable if they are bilingual or can communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). Many warehouses also employ people in certain entry-level positions who might not communicate well in English. However, being capable of translating languages is a sought-after skill.
Modern warehouses use software programs to manage their inventory and operations. Workers comfortable using wireless devices and learning new software may have an advantage over other employees.
Computer technology in the logistics industry is constantly improving, and warehouses upgrade their systems frequently. Experienced warehouse workers interested in technology might also find opportunities for advancement in the technical side of operations.
Having a range of skills could help warehouse workers because they are often asked perform duties unrelated to their job title. Workers who adapt to tasks in different positions are often appreciated and rewarded.
A worker who is just beginning could demonstrate flexibility and willingness to adjust to unfamiliar circumstances quickly. Warehouse work might seem routine, but rush orders, returned stock, damaged stock, technical malfunctions, machine breakdowns, and employee shortages often disrupt the normal flow. An employee who can handle changes in routine and still get the job done is invaluable to a company.
Warehouse productivity revolves around precise organization. Workers must retrieve items in a particular order to maximize efficiency. Employees must also have clearly defined responsibilities.
Some people have a particular aptitude for organization, which could be helpful as a person gains warehousing experience. A person with excellent organizational skills might find many opportunities for advancement in the logistics industry.
Like other workplaces, things often go wrong in warehouses. An employee who can think of different ways to accomplish the objective when an unexpected situation arises is valuable.
An essential aspect of problem-solving is knowing when a challenge is too big to handle without a supervisor’s input. Exercising sound judgment and creative conflict resolution provide a bright future for employees in the warehouse industry.
Warehouse work is great for those without higher education or experience. Most entry-level warehouse jobs do not require advanced skills. However, by making the most of your personal qualities and abilities, you could maximize your potential while you acquire job-specific experience.
Once you have warehouse work experience, you could enhance your skills by taking on gig assignments at other facilities. Flex work at other facilities could help you expand your network and acquire valuable knowledge about the industry.
HapiGig is a platform that connects screened warehouse workers with employers requiring staff on a temporary, part-time, or per-shift basis. Call or text for an application to become a HapiWorker.