As the UK enters a new normal, the post lockdown economy is on shaky ground. The true strength will not be revealed until the furlough scheme finishes, but we are likely to enter one of the biggest recessions on record, with mass unemployment across most sectors.
Whilst uncertainty looms large, there is still demand for work. Challenges will be overcome as we strive to build up the economy to its pre-COVID state.
For warehousing, the challenges are ever present; there will be several areas that need attention in order to keep your facility running smoothly. To be ready to weather any storm, addressing the challenges (both present and future) is key to success.
The highs and lows of demand
With unemployment on the rise and the country entering recession, sales across all sectors will be affected; some positive, some negative. Be ready for every eventuality and assign your warehouse resources accordingly. During the low periods, catch up on other less important tasks. You may need to shorten or lengthen your staff’s shifts depending on each peak and trough.
Following new regulations
Compliance with rules on social distancing, health and safety, and PPE needs to be followed to the letter. These are new legal requirements, so it is down to you to meet every one of them. Of course, you will need to adjust your usual work practices to cope, but productivity will be effective and efficient once you put them into place.
To Hire or Fire?
The economy will recover. It might be difficult at times; where you may not be as busy now, months down the line could be a different story. The biggest challenge is knowing how to deal with your staffing levels against activity in your warehouse. Increased activity will mean you may need to take on extra manpower. However decreased activity could see you reducing your workforce.
Experience
If you’ve had to let employees go, you may find your team lacking in experience, particularly if you’re over the worst and are thinking of recruiting new staff. Make sure any staff you take on are fully trained; this could be the perfect time to implement new resources and processes, making output in your facility better than ever.