With the rate of turnover of workers in warehouses hitting 49% as of 2022, one strategy for retention is increasing skill levels.
A recent survey, Workplace Culture Report, from Kahoot!, found that frontline workers as well as logistic and warehouse managers are interested in improving their skills. The survey found that 71% of frontline workers show high motivation to gain skills, with 86% of managers reporting the same.
"As the nature of hourly work evolves, it's imperative for companies to invest in the proper training and upskilling of hourly frontline employees, the backbone of industry operations. Overlooking their career advancement is not only a missed opportunity for the supply chain but also for the broader economy," said James Micklethwait, VP, Kahoot! at Work, in a statement.
"Without adequate advancement opportunities, employees may feel disillusioned and disengaged - and ultimately leave. Frontline managers, a substantial workforce segment, wield influential leadership roles, shaping the overall success or challenges faced by the frontline workforce."
Frontline Training Provides a Decade-Long Return on Investment
The survey also found that better career guidance and training can deliver a large ROI in terms of lower employee turnover and better retention.
The survey asked logistics and warehouse managers how long they would be willing to stay with their current company if their employer would provide better career guidance and training.
Here's what they said:
- 73% of managers would be willing to stay at their company for at least six years if the company provided more career guidance and training.
- 57% would be willing to stay for 10 years or more.
- As for the workers themselves, the survey showed that 44% would stay with their employer for an additional decade if offered a clearer path with advanced training.
Actions Workforce is Taking
· The survey also sheds light on how workers independently are taking initiative to upskill:
- 38% of workers are proactively reading books and articles.
- 28% are listening to podcasts and watching educational videos.
- 23% are pursuing certifications to validate their expertise.
- 20% have taken on side projects or freelance gigs to hone their career skills.
- 19% are proactively enrolling in career-related online courses and workshops.
- 16% of workers are already taking AI courses or pursuing certifications independently.
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Here are a few ways frontline managers are currently taking initiative to upskill and expand their knowledge on their own time:
- 37% of managers are proactively reading books and articles.
- 29% have taken on side projects or freelance gigs to hone their career skills.
- 29% have tried new software or tech tools.
- 26% are proactively enrolling in career-related online courses and workshops.
- 18% are watching TED talks to learn and get inspired.
