Logistics jobs today are like warehouse racks. Positions are repeatedly vacated and then filled again. This is a trend that was observed last fall and that seems to be continuing, according to a report released by Logistics Magazine on its Logistics and Material Handling website in October of 2013. This employment trend isn’t one that gets the attention of the bureau of Labor Statistics since it pertains to people moving directly from one position to another rather than unemployed professionals looking for work.
Forklift operation is one of the key roles in logistics and material handling where workers have been known to vacate in search of new positions and where new workers quickly fill them. So is Reach Stack operation, but the trend seems just as hot among general warehouse workers who undoubtedly graduate to operator roles in any lean logistics environment. Any material handler will find him or herself on the floor scanning as well as in the seat of any material-handling vehicle in most cases, as logistics operations get leaner and more worker roles become interchangeable.
Loyalty still matters in logistics
“Job-hopping” is sometimes seen as negative, bit when opportunities exist to increase one’s pay and level of responsibility, “hopping” becomes a very positive step. Certainly, if there’s a logistics outfit that is known for higher wages and better benefits, then it’s the place where every forklift operator, warehouse worker or reach stacker wants to be. Of course, places like these still seek loyalty among the qualities of candidates they want, according to Tim James, a senior regional director at Hays Logistics, who contributed to the Logistics Magazine report published last October.
For example, forklift operation is all about consistency. Consistently safe, consistently efficient, consistent with being there on time and handling the product carefully to deliver it consistently without damage are all qualities that any firm wants. Those logistics firms which pay well and offer good benefit can demand this from workers and expect such results. James says that when logistics firms look at new candidates for employment, they still want to see a candidate who has a decent amount of tenure at his or her current employer.
Don’t balk at temp assignments from good firms
James also says that an increasing number of logistics firms take the temp-to-hire approach to screen candidates for long-term employment. A temp assignment at a good firm can be a good employee’s ticket to a steady job, James said. It gives a person a chance to get a foot in the door and demonstrate his or her good work habits and skills.
Reach stack operators are currently in short supply due to the lack of people with necessary licenses, so those with experience and appropriate licenses do have some leverage in seeking work. Other logistics employees many firms are seeking include inventory professionals and supply chain coordinators. Both professionals have seen numerous vacancies even as the economy has remained sluggish. There have also been more vacancies for warehouse manager positions, the web report said.