The New Warehouse Worker
by Sterling J. Scott, Marketing Communications Coordinator, MHI | @mhi_sterling
E-commerce has transformed the roles of warehouse workers worldwide. As responsibilities have shifted from providing order fulfillment for stores to individual consumers, the nature of warehouse work is different. This has led to a desire among workers to reclassify themselves for higher pay.
Amazon workers in Germany were on strike for higher pay as well as better working conditions and argue that their work in order fulfillment has traditionally been considered mail-order work, which is classified as retail work. Retail workers receive higher pay at Amazon. At Amazon, they are currently classified as Logistic workers. There are 9,000 employees in Germany.
The new warehouse worker is a concept that is very new and companies of all levels of success and size are trying to figure out how to attract, train, and retain those workers amidst a talent shortage. Amazon is a global leader in business and business practices and even they are working to address the challenge. All businesses should be focused on how to attract, train, and retain the new warehouse worker.
More information on workforce issues in supply chain and material handling can be found in the U.S. Material Handling & Logistics U.S. Roadmap.
