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Discover what makes a good warehouse worker, why logistics staff are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and how to attract the right employees for your warehouse or distribution centre.
Good warehouse workers are essential for an efficient warehouse operation. They ensure that goods are received, stored, picked, and dispatched correctly. When there are not enough staff available, it can quickly lead to delays, increased workload, and a less efficient logistics process.
Due to the continued growth of e-commerce, distribution centres, and international trade, demand for experienced warehouse workers has increased significantly in recent years. As a result, many employers find it increasingly difficult to recruit reliable employees quickly.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes a good warehouse worker, when additional staff are needed, and how to attract the right talent for your business.
A warehouse worker supports almost all day-to-day operations within a warehouse or distribution centre. Depending on the type of organisation, responsibilities may vary, but typically include the following tasks:
In larger warehouses, warehouse workers often work alongside order pickers, forklift operators, and reach truck operators to ensure logistics operations run smoothly.
Not every staffing need is driven by business growth. Other situations can also create the need for additional warehouse staff.
For example:
By bringing in additional staff in time, you can prevent delays and keep your day-to-day operations running smoothly.
Experience is important, but it is not everything. A good warehouse worker also possesses personal qualities that contribute to a safe and efficient working environment.
Look for the following qualities:
Depending on the role, additional certifications—such as a forklift or reach truck licence—may also be required or preferred.
Many employers are unsure whether to hire temporary or permanent staff. The best choice depends on your specific business needs and circumstances.
At the same time, the labour market remains tight. There are more job vacancies than available candidates, making it increasingly difficult for employers to find suitable staff. Competition is particularly strong in major logistics hubs such as Venlo, Rotterdam, Schiphol, Tilburg, and Eindhoven.
According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the Dutch labour market remains tight, making it difficult for many employers to find qualified staff.
Due to the ongoing labour shortages, more and more logistics companies are looking beyond national borders to recruit staff.
International employees now play an important role in the Dutch logistics sector. With proper onboarding and a well-managed recruitment process, they can quickly become valuable members of existing teams and help ensure a stable workforce.
For many employers, international recruitment has therefore become a valuable addition to the local labour market.
Finding suitable warehouse workers takes time. Writing job advertisements, reviewing applications, and conducting interviews all require significant time and resources.
A specialised recruitment agency has access to a network of qualified candidates and in-depth knowledge of the logistics labour market. As a result, employers can often find suitable warehouse staff much faster than by managing the entire recruitment process themselves.
In addition, a recruitment partner handles the initial screening process, ensuring that only candidates who match the role and your organisation are presented.
NFA Recruitment specialises in logistics recruitment across the Netherlands.
We help companies find reliable warehouse workers for both temporary and permanent positions. We also recruit:
Thanks to our extensive experience in the logistics sector, we understand the skills employers are looking for and which candidates are the best fit for different warehouse environments.
An order picker is primarily responsible for picking customer orders. A warehouse worker typically has a broader range of responsibilities, including receiving goods, managing inventory, loading and unloading deliveries, and preparing orders for shipment.
This depends on the role, location, and staffing requirements. In many cases, suitable candidates can be presented within a short period of time.
Not for every role. However, positions involving forklift or reach truck operation often require a valid certification.
Demand is currently highest in logistics hubs such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Venlo, Tilburg, Eindhoven, and Schiphol.
Yes. Many companies combine temporary workers during busy periods with permanent employees to meet their long-term staffing needs.
Are you looking for experienced warehouse workers for your warehouse or distribution centre? NFA Recruitment helps employers across the Netherlands find qualified logistics professionals.
Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll determine the recruitment solution that best fits your organisation and staffing requirements.