3 Tips on How To Attract Warehouse Workers and Retain Them
We spoke with Aerotek Strategic Account Executive Joe Parisi, who has over a decade of experience in hiring warehouse workers. He notes that warehouses have a strong need to fill roles for pick-and-pack jobs, inventory specialists, forklift operators and maintenance and electrical systems specialists.
To attract warehouse workers with these skills and retain them, he suggests employers review their pay rate, upskilling programs and hiring requirements.
How to Attract Warehouse Workers
Attracting warehouse talent in a tight labor market requires more than just posting a job description; it also necessitates a strategic approach. Employers need to be proactive, competitive and candidate-focused in their approach. Below are three strategies companies can use to expand their candidate pool and improve hiring results.
1. Competitive pay and speedy hiring attract top talent
The first question companies need to answer when it comes to hiring warehouse workers, says Parisi, is “how do we attract a larger candidate pool to select the top talent?” If employers aren't getting the best candidates, they’ll have a hard time keeping up with their competitors.
Parisi believes that to attract warehouse workers who are top talent, companies first need to ensure they offer wages in the top 50% of rates for the candidates they're looking for. Parisi also advises that streamlining the onboarding process and getting new employees in the door as soon as possible is key. Candidates are more likely to accept a job offer when the company can have them start quickly.
"Those two factors — expanding the talent pool and speeding up the onboarding process — are what’s making companies win right now," says Parisi.
2. Upskilling opportunities make loyal employees
Once employees are on board, companies need to provide a path for advancement for their workforce. Hiring and training warehouse workers is expensive, so losing and replacing them only drives up costs. Parisi advises companies to upskill existing employees by providing leadership and certification opportunities. Providing a path for employees to obtain certification to operate equipment, such as a forklift or an order pickup machine, can help you identify the most valuable employees while incentivizing them to stay with the company and pursue a better career path.
Benefits like these make a difference for companies working to retain warehouse workers. "People will leave organizations if they don't feel safe or valued," explains Parisi.
3. Look for a mix of hands-on experience and valuable soft skills
It's essential for employers to distinguish between the skills required for equipment operators and those needed for non-equipment operators. To meet the high safety standards set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), machine operators must have previous experience handling equipment. In this case, a certification doesn't replace hands-on experience. Candidates who have operated equipment at a distribution facility will be more valuable.
For roles that don’t require operating machinery, companies can prioritize candidates who demonstrate attention to detail, perform repetitive tasks consistently and are highly reliable. "Distribution centers typically have quotas to meet. Having a worker who packs 250 boxes miss a shift means 250 boxes won't get shipped."
With e-commerce continuing to boom, this is a great time to find top talent to staff your warehouse or distribution center.
Build a Stronger Warehouse Workforce With the Right Strategy
Hiring and keeping warehouse workers takes more than a good job description. In today’s competitive labor market, companies that move quickly, offer clear growth paths and hire with intention are the ones that build reliable, long-term teams.
Whether you’re hiring for equipment operators, pickers and packers or inventory specialists, it pays to have a strategy in place for both attraction and retention.
If you’re ready to strengthen your warehouse workforce, reach out to Aerotek. Our team has the experience and talent network to help you build a team that performs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Warehouse Workers
What is the best way to attract warehouse workers?
Offering competitive pay and a quick hiring process are two of the most effective ways to attract warehouse workers. Candidates are more likely to accept offers from employers that act fast and pay above-average rates for their area and role type.
How can I retain warehouse employees long term?
Retention improves when employers offer growth opportunities. Upskilling programs, equipment certifications and internal advancement paths give workers a reason to stay and build a career with your company.
Why is hiring speed important in warehouse staffing?
Job seekers often accept the first offer they receive. If your onboarding process takes too long, you may lose qualified candidates to faster-moving competitors. A streamlined process improves hiring outcomes.
What skills should I look for in warehouse candidates?
For equipment-based roles, prioritize hands-on experience over certifications alone. For non-equipment roles, look for reliability, consistency and attention to detail. These qualities support productivity and reduce downtime.