4 essential benefits for warehouse workers

Workers in a warehouse
Adobe Stock

Industrial sectors across the board are struggling with labor shortages, and warehousing is no different. When workers have their pick of employers, they seek out opportunities offering the best benefits. Here are four essential benefits you must provide warehouse employees if you want your company's warehouse to operate well in a competitive labor market. 

Excellent healthcare insurance

Healthcare is overwhelmingly expensive for many people in the United States, especially those earning the average warehousing salary of $30–40,000. Moreover, due to the physically demanding nature of warehouse work, employees need access to comprehensive health coverage that won't burden their financials.

Providing excellent healthcare insurance is foundational for any competitive benefits package, especially in industrial sectors. Plans should include affordable medical, dental, and vision care. 

Read more: Corporate culture has embraced mental health benefits. Why are industrial workers being left behind? 

Offering quality healthcare options not only keeps employees healthy but also reduces absenteeism, as workers are more likely to seek preventative care. Employers that prioritize health coverage signal their commitment to employee well-being, fostering loyalty and long-term retention.

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Warehouse jobs usually involve hard physical labor, including heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and prolonged standing. These actions put workers at a high risk of injury. 

Short- and long-term disability insurance provides a critical safety net if an employee is unable to work due to an illness or injury. This benefit ensures workers continue receiving a portion of their income, relieving financial stress during recovery periods. 

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Coupled with excellent healthcare insurance, disability insurance also demonstrates your dedication to supporting employee health. This strengthens your company's reputation as an empathetic and responsible employer, which workers actively prioritize. 

The guarantee of prioritized safety

Industrial jobs are inherently dangerous, but many employers neglect safety in favor of speed and productivity, despite legal and ethical obligations. Your company's warehouse will do extremely well to prioritize employee safety and prove this commitment in every aspect of operations.

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Measures should include everything from outfitting the warehouse with the latest equipment, such as essential tools for efficient pallet handling, to strictly enforcing breaks and OSHA regulations. Your warehouse should also provide comprehensive safety training and maintain equipment to the highest standards.

A commitment to safety minimizes injuries and creates a culture of trust. When employees feel safe, they are more engaged and productive, and turnover rates are significantly lower.

Above-average wages

The average salary for warehouse workers is low, especially given the current economic conditions. Warehouse employees are justifiably asking for better pay. For instance, certain Amazon employees are advocating for $30 an hour, and this isn't an isolated case.

Don't wait until your employees demand comfortably livable wages. Paying above-average wages is a tangible way to demonstrate value for employees' hard work. Competitive compensation also attracts skilled workers and reduces turnover, lowering the cost of frequent hiring and training. 

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Overall, offering wages that exceed industry standards signals respect for the physical demands of warehouse jobs and the struggle of staying afloat in the current economic climate.

Providing your warehouse employees with these essential benefits is an investment in your workforce and your company's success. By prioritizing these areas, you create a supportive and thriving work environment, ensuring your team remains motivated, healthy, and committed to your organization's goals.

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Workplace safety and security Healthcare Employee benefits Employee retention
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