What makes a good warehouse operative

As more aspects of a warehouse integrate technology and implement automated processes, having computer skills can help you stay up-to-date with the daily functions of a warehouse operation. Computer proficiency often includes basic skills like word processing, file storage and email or messenger use. Read more: Computer Skills: Definitions and Examples. Strong hand-eye coordination is important when working in a warehouse.

For example, you might read packaging orders and labels, operate machine controls or do manual counts for inventory. In these cases, dexterity and good eyesight can help to minimise errors and increase overall productivity. As a warehouse operative, you may have daily quotas or strict deadlines. Your ability to work at a consistent pace with accuracy is typically important in a warehouse.

You might also want to stay mindful of safety and quality. A rapid level of performance can contribute to reaching individual and company targets. Since most work as a warehouse operative is unsupervised, self-motivation can be essential. Holding yourself accountable to targets, finishing tasks on time and doing quality work with pride can help you potentially earn higher wages, receive positive employee reviews and secure strong customer satisfaction scores.

You might encounter challenges while working in a warehouse, like a conveyor machinery malfunction on the packaging line or an item that's out of stock.

Effective problem-solving can help your work as a warehouse operative because much of your work is unsupervised.

For example, it can be helpful to know how to turn off the conveyor belt or place an out-of-stock notice in the box with the rest of the order. Being able to handle technical issues can also increase your value as an employee, especially if you're the only one at your company who has these capabilities. Your ability to work as part of a team is essential for a warehouse position, regardless of how small or large a task may be.

Teamwork might include picker packer colleagues meeting a quota on the same shift or collaboration to generate process improvements to save money and increase packing rates, for example. Working with others is a strong skill to develop and hone for any warehouse role.

Effective oral and written communication can also be important when working in a warehouse because everyone typically needs to stay informed about what their coworkers are doing to maintain safety.

Some other common instances where you can benefit from having excellent communication skills in a warehouse are:. Giving directions on how to operate new machinery. Discussing productivity goals or safety procedures.

Being flexible and adapting to situations in a fast-paced warehouse environment can help you find new opportunities or help others when tasks need to be completed. For example, an unplanned absence might mean you move from your scheduled assignment to assist on another team or handle duties outside of your normal responsibilities.

Taking on such challenges and keeping a positive outlook can show employers you're a flexible, dependable and adaptable employee. Stamina and endurance are important when working in a warehouse.

If you feel that being a warehouse operative is a good fit for you click over to our job opportunities pages to see what roles are currently available and where. Do you want to share your location for a better user experience? Collecting items from throughout the warehouse, preparing and completing warehouse orders for delivery or pickup according to a schedule. Performing warehouse inventory controls via scanner and or through a computer.

Stock counting and location checks. Alfreton, Derbyshire Permanent. Reading, Berkshire Temporary. Glasgow Temporary. Livingston, West Lothian Temporary. Leeds, West Yorkshire Temporary. Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Contract. Edinburgh Temporary. Each role requires specific attributes that will be detailed with the job description but there are a few key skills that are applicable to all warehouse jobs What skills are needed to work in a warehouse?

Fitness As described in our working environments page one of the most well-known attributes for colleagues working in a warehouse environment is fitness. Mobility Picking and packing products can involve a substantial amount of manual handling including bending, stretching, stooping, stepping, reaching and lifting. Literacy and numeracy Reading from picking sheets, following instructions and directions are an important part of warehouse work and so you need to have the ability to read, and understand the information provided as well as be able to count accurately and perform simple maths calculations.

Hand-eye coordination Using mechanical handling equipment to move products around a warehouse requires hand, eye and foot coordination to ensure safe use of the equipment. Self-motivation Most roles in a warehouse are autonomous with individual tasks and workloads being assigned, it is important that you are comfortable with working on your own, motivating yourself to complete your work and meet your targets.

Teamwork Despite the autonomous nature of the roles within a warehouse, colleagues are encouraged to work as a team.