Working at a warehouse can provide an opportunity for career advancement while contributing to an essential industry, but not all warehouses are created equal. The better ones offer good salaries, a positive atmosphere, and the chance to contribute ideas. Is working in a warehouse for you? Let’s answer some common questions.
Are Warehouse Jobs Important?
Unquestionably yes! The ability to deliver goods to wherever they’re needed is one of the most fundamental aspects of a well-functioning society. Supply chain complications have made headlines in recent years, serving to illustrate the importance of this sector to everyday life. While the challenges have been many, hard-working individuals have risen to the occasion, including those who work in warehouses.
What Is It Like to Work in a Warehouse?
This, of course, depends upon the position, the company, and the warehouse itself. Warehouse work involves packing, stacking, tracking, storing, sorting, weighing, labelling, hauling, and many other tasks. The job can, at times, be physically demanding and potentially repetitive. The work environment can be hot or cold, and shift work is sometimes required.
On the other hand, warehouse work can be very rewarding for organized self-starters looking to carve out a career in logistics. Sometimes you need to start at ground zero to get you career underway! There is an opportunity to work with technology, while contributing in a team environment.
Like any job, you’ll want to do your homework in order to ensure that you’re working with a company that shares your values and offers you opportunities that align with your lifestyle. Flexibility and work environments vary, so don’t be afraid to ask a potential employer questions or request a tour of their facilities.
What Skills are Important for Warehouse Workers?
Warehouses are always looking for experienced individuals, but this is not necessarily the most critical attribute of a good warehouse worker.
As mentioned, working at a warehouse may require a degree of physical fitness, with this being more important in some positions than others.
Technology plays a role, particularly in more modern warehouses. Certain positions, such as data analyst, will require strong technical skills, while other positions may have more basic requirements.
Certification is required for some positions, including forklift operator, while on-the-job training suffices for other roles.
Soft Skills
Arguably more important than these qualifications are so-called soft skills. While the active working skills above can be taught, it’s these core soft skills that can be more indicative of success and upward mobility.
Reliability is sought after and rewarded. Self-motivated individuals who can perform without micromanagement will thrive. Problem solvers and fast learners will find success, as will those who are highly organized. Communication skills are highly valued, as is the ability to work with a team. The ability to adhere to safety protocols is a must.
If this sounds like YOU, you’re probably a good candidate to work in a warehouse.
What are the Highest Paying Warehouse Jobs?
Generally speaking, the more managerial and highly technical engineering positions carry the largest salaries. These jobs require more experience and/or education and therefore offer the highest level of compensation. Titles vary by company, so, once again, it’s important to read carefully and ask questions.
Can Warehouse Workers Move Up?
While warehouses will sometimes recruit externally for top positions, it’s not at all uncommon for individuals to advance internally.
Warehouses are often keen to elevate individuals who understand their facility and its systems. For this reason, it simply makes sense to promote from within.
Entry level positions, such as warehouse associate, are often available without extensive educational requirements and serve as a good starting point for those looking to rise through the ranks. While competition for top jobs can be significant, upward mobility is possible for those in possession of the skills and attributes previously outlined.
Working at Canadian Alliance
Canadian Alliance is a third party logistics company that serves as a true logistics partner to our clients. As such, we view our staff members not as interchangeable employees, but as valuable team members who are vital keys to our success.
Our fast-paced and ever-changing environment has been modified and modernized to facilitate superior service for our clients and an optimized atmosphere for our team members. Our leadership is supportive and we value the ideas and thoughts of our team.
“We encourage our employees to consider a career path with us,” says Canadian Alliance President William McKinnon. “We frequently promote from within. This includes warehouse associates, who have been promoted to positions such as transport coordinator, new employee trainer, and lead hand.”1
Canadian Alliance is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We provide an atmosphere where no one is denied opportunity for reasons unrelated to their abilities.
Canadian Alliance office staff have flexible hours and warehouse associates have a choice between morning or afternoon shifts. “We are a people first culture and we want our employees to enjoy work-life balance,” says McKinnon.
If you’d like to be part of something different and take the opportunity to grow in a team environment, visit our Indeed page and find out what jobs are available today.
Cited Sources
1 Personal Communication with William McKinnon