The logistics industry has been very busy for quite some time now. First of all, the number of orders increases and the requests of your customers become more complex. At the same time, the costs are rising, which you cannot or hardly pass on to your clients. Finally, there is a significant shortage of capable staff. It is very difficult to attract and keep skilled employees; How can the industry be doing so well, but at the same time be facing all these challenges? And, perhaps more importantly, how can you deal with them?

How to deal smartly with the staff shortage in logistics

Highly educated people with logistics knowledge are hard to find and if you find them, their wage demands will not be economical. In turn, these have a major impact on your overall business results, as more than half of them are spent on salaries. A challenging prospect, but how to deal with this hurdle? Below are some tips that might give you new insights.

1. Row with what you have

Sometimes we are so externally focused that we forget to look within. There is a good chance that among your current employees, some are ready for the next step. They already have the knowledge about your processes, your company culture, your customers and their colleagues. Therefore, after a training period, they are likely to be able to achieve more than a brand new employee who meets the right criteria, but still has to grow in the company. Walk around the workplace and keep your eyes and ears open. Do you see potential?

2. Pick new hunting grounds

As mentioned, the logistics labor market is very tight. This is mainly because employers are looking for job seekers with a logistics background. Makes sense in a way, of course. But you also know that the industry is changing. Data is taking on ever greater proportions and technological developments are flying around our ears. With these new fields come new functions. If you can work smarter with the qualities of these people and organize processes more efficiently, you may not need those extra drivers or warehouse employees at all.

3. Work smarter and more efficiently

Jumping off the previous point, it is advisable to work smarter in the first place. Go through your processes again. What can be done faster? What could be better? Where do you carry out unnecessary duplication of work? Digitization and automation are the basis of efficient working. Boltrics has years of experience with this and has made many logistics service providers work smarter. With an always up-to-date software with input from the entire logistics industry, you can be sure that you are always leading the pack. When your current employees work smarter – and not necessarily harder or longer – you limit the need to hire extra (untraceable) staff.

4. Be flexible

Finally, you can view the organization’s structure and core values. In today’s logistics environment, the importance of flexibility cannot be overstated. You are expected to act proactively, or at least not wait and see what happens to you. Before you know it, you’ll be wasting chances and opportunities. These values should flow throughout your organization. Courage is contrasted with experience, result-orientation with knowledge, and doing is opposed to meetings. Do you notice that your organization is still very reactive? Take a look at how it can be done differently. Worst-case scenario, you will remain where you currently are.

5. Invest in training

Employees want to know they can grow and develop in their jobs. Providing training, education, and career development opportunities helps to facilitate that. But time is precious. You don’t have time to train new employees. And current employees have little time to keep up with new functionalities. At Boltrics, we understand these challenges all too well. Knowledge and skills continue to play an important role in logistics. Therefore, we would like to introduce you to the Boltrics Academy – a comprehensive learning platform designed to enhance the knowledge of your employees.

6. Limit peaks in your workload

Are your employees sometimes flooded with deliveries, or do they experience other peaks in their workloads? Addressing these issues is essential if you want to keep your skilled workforce. With timeslot booking, doing so is easier than ever. With timeslot booking in our logistics software, you can offer your suppliers and carriers the possibility to book a time slot digitally. During this timeslot, the truck is then loaded or unloaded without waiting times. This way you minimize the chance of your staff experiencing an influx of deliveries.

More information?

Do you want to learn more about the technological developments that help your operation to the next level? Contact us.