A lot can be elaborated on this topic however we will cover the basics of warehouse staff training in this section. Firstly, it is very crucial for managers to ensure that all staff receives an induction early on. Secondly, the manager needs to undertake a training needs analysis to identify which staff requires specific types of training. There are always areas in which staff needs to be trained – the trick is in identifying them. Effective training helps to hold the staff together and this should be an ongoing process. Such training across disciplines not only inculcates a sense of progression but builds flexibility into the operation. The staff must be given a glimpse of a simple process flow map showing the end-to-end supply chain and how each step impacts the final customer that engage each warehouse staff and make them feel part of the bigger process.
Training may vary from company to company. Some larger companies offer comprehensive training programs, with periods spent on rotation in various departments and geographical locations, learning on the job and often studying at the same time for relevant professional qualifications.
Warehouse management can be seen as a field within the wider context of logistics, transport and supply chain management, so training is likely to include exposure to other areas, such as transport management and administration. New entrants learn on the job under the supervision of experienced supervisors and managers. Personal skills and qualities are highly valued in this area of work. Time spent developing communication, team work and negotiating skills, through in-house training is likely to help in career progression.
