SUREFIRE
WAYS TO
FUEL
WAREHOUSE
If you operate a warehouse or distribution center,
you know how dynamic these facilities tend to be. A
lot of things happen in tandem, so processes need
to be coordinated. But when it comes to making
necessary improvements to streamline those
processes, it may feel as though you're facing a stiff
headwind if you're bogged down by inefficiencies or
unmotivated employees. If that sounds familiar, it
may be time to consider making some changes.
Before we get into the matter of warehouse
productivity, let's touch on the subject of worker
safety. There's no question that manual jobs pose
inherently more risk when it comes to work-related
injuries.
Working in a warehouse isn't easy; it's often
physically taxing work. In addition, warehouses are
often filled with large items being moved around
using heavy machinery.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
annual rate of work-related injuries at warehouses
and distribution centers is approximately five per
100 employees. That's far greater than the general
workforce, where the number is below one injury
per 100 employees. As you would expect, these
injuries and illnesses cost the U.S. economy tens of
billions of dollars in lost productivity and expenses
every year.
And let's not forget the cost of replacing an injured
or dissatisfied warehouse employee. According to
various studies, the typical (median) cost of
employee turnover ranges between 16 and 21
percent of the employee's annual salary. That is not
only expensive; it's also disruptive to the workflow.
PRODUCTIVITY
