How a Warehouse Operator Boosted Workforce Stability

“We cut down on errors and delays because people stay longer, learn the job, and get information faster. It shows up in our throughput.ˮ
Distribution Center Team Lead

Overview

A regional warehouse operator was struggling with high turnover. This workforce instability was driving missed order deadlines, shipping errors, and a growing number of customer complaints.

Results

26%
Increase in employee retention within 6 months.
32%
Reduction in picking/packing errors.
18%
Improvement in on-time order fulfillment rates.

Challenges

  • High  turnover  led  to  shift  coverage  gaps, especially  among  pickers/packers,  forcing overtime and last-minute schedule changes.
  • Lower throughput due to constant re-training and allocating staff to correct mistakes.
  • High  error  rates  in  picking  and  packing, leading  to  returned  goods  and  higher operational costs.
  • Customer  dissatisfaction  from  missed delivery windows and incorrect orders.

Targeted Actions to Drive Results

Improve Retention

  • Send helpful resources, guides and other info —weekly and as needed— to new hire phones.‍
  • Deliver role-specific micro-training and cultural touch points throughout the first 90 days via SMS text.

Reduce Errors

  • Use weekly pulse surveys to identify early concerns or gaps in training, tools, and any other issues.
  • Provide real-time feedback loops between new hires and supervisors, enabling visible and quick problem resolution.

Improve Delivery

  • Communicate workload changes in real time to better allocate labor and keep everyone informed.
  • Close the loop quickly when employees raise bottlenecks, reducing downtime and improving order flow.