What does a warehouse worker do?
A warehouse worker typically works in a team that is responsible for moving goods from a warehouse to customers. The most common tasks involved in warehouse work are the safe unloading of items, the careful packing of items into boxes for transportation, and the collection of orders to be sent out to customers.
Do I need qualifications to work in a warehouse?
While roles such as a delivery or forklift driver have transferable skills that can be beneficial for a warehouse position. Most warehouse employees learn their skills through experience and training at work, or through various practical skills learned from other areas of life.
Higher level warehouse positions, however, can benefit from specialized schooling for supply chain management.
What are the required key skills for a warehouse worker?
Endurance
Working in a warehouse is usually a role that requires stamina as there are many physical tasks to complete. Standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy boxes or stooping to collect items and tasks such as packing a conveyor belt or loading a truck, can put a lot of physical strain on the body. However, by maintaining fitness and conducting physical tasks the correct way, a warehouse worker can increase their stamina and make it easier to complete physical labor tasks.
Teamwork
The ability to work proficiently as part of a team is vital for a warehouse worker, especially for more complex tasks. Successful collaboration can improve processes and efficiency, saving the company money.
Eagerness to learn
Being adaptable and willing to learn new things is essential for warehouse work. Those who succeed in the role embrace new technologies and collaborate effectively with co-workers and managers.
Being organized
Organization is the key to ensuring that a warehouse is run efficiently and profitably. Being well- organized can help an employee maintain safety, keep an area tidy, manage an accurate inventory, and aid co-workers.
Computer skills
As computer technology integrates more fully into modern logistics, having computer skills can vastly improve an employee's worth to a company. Though not necessarily required for a warehouse role, computer skills can help implement automated processes and improve efficiency. Even basic skills such as using email, storing files, and typing can be very useful.
Literacy
Basic literacy and math skills are very important when working in a warehouse. Being able to quickly understand written instructions and packing slips, while accurately counting items is key to warehouse efficiency.
What is the career path when working in a warehouse?
Working in a warehouse can be a great opportunity for someone looking for career progression. By working hard and gaining the right experience, a warehouse employee can advance their career in logistics by working their way up to becoming a warehouse manager who oversees a section or even the whole operation of a warehouse. The duties of a warehouse manager include looking after workers and customers, maintaining health and safety standards, and hitting company targets.
Being trained in other areas of the company is also an option available to warehouse workers. For example, undertaking extra training in delivery coordination or truck driving is a great way to move into the transport or logistics area of a business.
Church & Dwight
If you are interested in working as a warehouse worker, you should consider Church & Dwight. Church & Dwight has a unique culture that makes our company a fantastic place to work, while offering excellent benefits. Don’t just take our word for it; check out some of our team’s stories here.
