Warehouse Worker

A warehouse worker works in a warehouse or factory environment and is responsible for carrying out several duties related to shipping, receiving, and processing merchandise. In most cases, they work directly for a company, or through a third-party shipping or storage company, and help facilitate company operations. 

Many warehouse worker tasks require both physical and mental skills and qualities, and they are relied on heavily to ensure the logistics of the company are carried out efficiently and accurately. 

Consumer demand, specifically in the ecommerce realm, is increasing the need for strong warehouse workers. Here’s information about what a warehouse worker does, how to become one, qualities and skills you’ll need, and other information about the job as a whole. 

A warehouse worker ensures the logistics of shipping, receiving, processing, and storing inventory are carried out, in turn facilitating the delivery of goods to companies or directly to consumers. 

Warehouse workers must follow strict shipping schedules and detailed purchase orders to ensure everything comes and goes accurately and on time. Specifically, they may load orders into trucks or other shipping devices, organize incoming stock and inventory, accept orders and enter them into the warehouse database, and keep track of stock. 

Additionally, warehouse workers help keep the warehouse organized and clean.

Warehouse worker duties

• Operate a forklift or other machinery to move products.

• Prepare and complete warehouse orders for delivery or pickup. 

• Pack, prepare, and load goods for delivery. 

• Receive, unpack, organize and store goods and merchandise.

• Organize documentation for product delivery or shipment.

• Keep track of inventory as it ships and is received using inventory tracking software. 

• Safely and securely pack and label products for shipping.

• Coordinate company operations by ensuring workflows are completed on time. 

• Verify and maintain inventory for shipment.

There are primarily two steps to take to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a warehouse worker:

• Education. Most warehouse worker roles don’t require formal education other than a high school diploma or GED. However, some certifications, such as certification in operating a forklift, may be beneficial to have.

• Experience. Many warehouse skills and tasks are learned while on the job, and gaining experience can help ensure you not only get the job but can also advance in the role. Many warehouse worker job descriptions ask for prior experience in a similar role before working in the warehouse, which helps to ensure tasks are completed safely and effectively without much supervision. 

Important qualities and skills

There are several qualities and skills a good warehouse worker will have to be successful including:

• Knowledge of operating heavy equipment. This could include forklifts, trucks, pallet jacks, stretch wrap machines, conveyor systems, etc. Warehouses typically have a variety of machinery and equipment, and while you can learn how to use this equipment once hired, being familiar with it, including how to safely operate it, is important for success in this role. 

• Warehouse experience. While not always required, having experience in warehouse-type tasks like scheduling and accepting deliveries, monitoring and ordering supplies, and packing, stocking, and loading merchandise can all be helpful.

• Computer skills. Not all warehouse roles require you to use a computer, but having technological skills can help increase your chances of getting hired for a more technical position, and even improve your opportunities for advancement. This may include working with software for data management, supply procurement, scheduling, and even personnel management.

• Organization. Warehouse workers complete tasks related to ordering, packaging, stocking, accepting deliveries, running lines, and working with other employees, so organization and multitasking skills are important. Staying organized can help ensure mistakes aren’t made, the product isn’t wasted, and you and other colleagues are safe on the job.

• Time management. Most warehouses must stick to strict timelines for production, packing, loading, shipping, accepting deliveries, etc. You’ll need to have the ability to work at a fast pace (without putting anyone’s safety or the quality of products at risk), as well as manage your time well and complete all of your tasks efficiently.

• Communication. You’ll typically be interacting with coworkers, clients, customers, and management daily. Effective verbal and written communication skills can help ensure you’re able to carry out the tasks necessary and avoid mistakes that could be costly or even dangerous. 

• Teamwork. Many warehouse workers’ tasks require you to work closely alongside others, and having the ability to function well within a team is beneficial for this role. This includes professionalism toward other colleagues, customers, shippers, etc., and the willingness to pitch in when a colleague needs help.

Typical warehouse worker schedules are 40 hours per week, Monday through Saturday. Warehouse workers may work in shifts (first, second or third), so specific hours may vary. First shift employees start work around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. and work until 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Second shift employees start as the first shift ends, typically between 5:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Finally, the third shift typically takes place between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Additionally, overtime is often offered to warehouse workers, allowing them to work more than 40 hours per week and earning extra income.

Warehouse workers typically report to a warehouse manager, shift leader, or warehouse foreman. As you gain experience and continue to find success in your role, you may be offered advancement opportunities in management. Warehouse managers primarily organize each day’s workflow to ensure all tasks are completed and oversee a team of warehouse workers. 

Another opportunity is to become a forklift operator. While some warehouse workers operate a forklift on occasion, their daily tasks are broader than those of a forklift operator.

In addition to the skills listed above, many of which are desirable for several jobs, there are other transferable skills you gain from working in a warehouse such as:

• Problem-solving. 

• Skill development.

• Adaptability.

• Speed.

• Practical experience. 

• Physical endurance.

• Quality control and analysis.