Top tips for improving employee productivity in your warehouse

Looking to improve employee productivity in your warehouse? Check out our top tips below.

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Create a comprehensive training programme

The better you train your warehouse staff, the more likely they are to work productively. When you take on new staff, it is essential that they understand how to use all of your warehouse equipment and how it can aid them in carrying out their work. Every time you install a new piece of machinery in your warehouse, your staff should be fully trained on how to use it efficiently.

By implementing a comprehensive training programme in your warehouse, you can also standardise your processes. This will reduce potential variation between employee methods for things like picking and packing, helping to save time and money, whilst also reducing errors.

Invest in new warehouse equipment

Investing in new warehouse equipment will show your staff that you investing in the future of your business and that you are willing to do what you can to make their jobs easier. There is a wide range of warehouse equipment available that can improve productivity levels including roller and pallet conveyor systems.

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Make sure your employees are comfortable

Although you may be focused on increasing productivity, it is important to remember that your employees are people and not robots! Therefore it is essential that you take their needs into consideration and ensure they are comfortable in their working environment. You may want to consider providing anti fatigue mats along the picking line and a radio for them to listen to. Controlling the climate with heaters and fans can also help to keep your staff comfortable. The happier they are in the workplace, the more likely they are to work productively.

Involve employees in business decisions

A great way to motivate your employees and increase productivity is to involve them more in decision making. If you are thinking of making changes to your warehouse operations, ask your employees for their opinions and feedback. Including your employees in any business decisions you make will show that you value them. The more they feel valued, the more likely they are to care about performing well in their jobs.

Start an incentive programme

Rewarding your warehouse workers for going and beyond your average expectations of them is a great way to motivate them and increase levels of productivity. Incentives could include gift cards, extra holiday or a cash bonus.

Explain how warehouse employees can progress

Providing your warehouse employees with personalised progression plans and goals will motivate them and increase their levels of productivity. Most employees will be looking to do what they can to progress to the next level and by explaining how they can do this you will show them that you are invested in their future at your company.

So there we have our top tips for improving productivity in the warehouse. What else would you recommend?

Image credits: DaveFrey 5150 & Toyota Material Handling EU