As workplaces re-open and the “new normal” comes into clearer focus, warehouse work continues to be an important part of the economic rebound. Storage and distribution of goods and materials is a fundamental part of our economic activity, and the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced how important warehouses are to Canadians’ ability to continue functioning. Getting groceries and other essential supplies to Canadians when they needed it most characterized much of the essential work that warehouse workers have supplied throughout the pandemic. Plus, warehouse workers also took on the increased demand for non-essential goods through online retailing. So, if you’ve been wondering if warehouse work is a good career for you, now is the time to get moving.
First, let’s look at what you will be doing.
What is warehouse work?
A warehouse is a physical facility where goods and materials can be stored and distributed. As a warehouse worker, you could be responsible for receiving, processing and/or shipping goods and materials. Every warehouse is different, with larger operations able to have workers focus on a single task, while other facilities may offer warehouse workers more variety in their day-to-day responsibilities.
These are some typical warehouse activities:
- Picking: this task involves gathering goods to satisfy a specific customer order. You are responsible for locating and gathering items, scanning items to assist in tracking goods, and handing items off to be packed.
- Packing: ensuring that orders are put together accurately and packed efficiently, ready for shipping.
- Material handling: manual and semi-automatic/automatic transportation of goods throughout the warehouse or to a vehicle for shipping.
The easiest way to determine what you will be doing as a warehouse worker is to read the job description. It will give you an understanding of your responsibilities and help you know what to expect.
Are warehouse jobs hard?
Certainly, warehouse jobs can be challenging. These types of jobs are best suited to individuals who can withstand physically demanding and often repetitive work. Typical warehouse activities involve lifting, sorting and moving in ways that can be tiring and increase strain. Many warehouses operate 24/7, which means you may be expected to work up to 12-hour shifts and these shifts may be outside of regular business hours. And depending on where you work and the types of products you work with, you may also have to contend with extreme temperatures. Cold storage and refrigerated warehouses keep groceries and other organic materials cold, but also mean that workers have to face cold temperatures to perform their duties. On the other extreme, outdoor loading bays can expose workers to the elements, which can get uncomfortable in the summer heat for those who are loading and unloading goods onto the transportation vehicles.
But if you’re independent and self-motivated, high-energy and able to meet the physical demands of warehouse work, you may be well-suited to this job.
What skills do you need to be good at warehouse work?
Warehouse work requires a specific set of skills. Reliability is important to hiring managers; they need to know that you will show up on time and be able to work independently to accomplish your daily tasks. And, because the repetitive nature of warehouse work can get boring sometimes, those who are self-motivated will be able to push through lulls in their day to accomplish good work.
Detail-oriented individuals are especially well-suited to warehouse work because many tasks require close attention to ensure accuracy for filling orders and receiving inventory. Plus, those that can meet the speed and physical requirements of the daily tasks will find themselves succeeding in the role.
Understanding the demands of warehouse work is another important factor in being successful. Because the job can be very demanding, individuals who already have experience with warehouse work are ideal candidates because they likely know what will be expected of them. If you don’t have this experience, demonstrating your soft skills that show you’re reliable, motivated and dedicated will help you be successful.
Read more about creating a COVID-19-friendly resume here.
Should I get a warehouse job?
The best warehouse jobs are what you make of them. So, for some potential warehouse workers, the seasonal nature of these jobs can be a big draw for students and others looking for temporary work when these companies ramp up to meet increased demand.
Plus, entry-level warehouse jobs present an opportunity to get in on the ground level at a big company, gaining experience and potentially working your way up into other positions within the organization. Gaining insight into how the company operates can help individuals excel in management, inventory control and even quality assurance positions.
Best of all, the need for warehouse workers is high right now, with job postings for warehouse work on Indeed showing positive signs of bouncing back.
Find warehouse jobs here.
The added benefit of getting work in a large company right now is that there’s an indication that bigger companies have generally been better able to retain employees on payroll. Now is definitely the right time to get back to work and start earning!
How much do warehouse workers make?
Now for the big question: how much do warehouse workers make? According to Indeed, the average wage rate of warehouse work in Canada is $16.19 per hour.
And while forklift operators require licenses and training, these warehouse jobs pay more at $18.18 per hour. These individuals move materials around the work site through operation of a forklift or lift truck, contributing significantly to the efficient operation of the warehouse.
How safe is warehouse work?
Health and safety in the workplace should be a primary concern for employers. Their responsibility is to create a safe working environment by implementing safety measures and training programs to ensure that every worker is kept safe at work. As an employee, your responsibility is to follow your safety training in order to contribute to this safe environment. That means following safety protocols for loading and unloading materials, keeping the warehouse clean, and reporting unsafe working conditions to your supervisor.
You may also be wondering how safe warehouses are while we’re still facing the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that many companies have prioritized the health and safety of their employees by making necessary adjustments to reflect best practices for maintaining a safe environment for their workers.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a warehouse job, contact Adecco to get started!