Warehouse management is something that requires a special mindset and set of skills because of the group of individuals you must bring together as a unit to meet a mutual goal. This necessitates trained staff members who can specifically fulfill intricate shipping and inventory requirements. It also means handling both equipment and machinery efficiently and safely.

For even a seasoned professional, hitting the right balance of sustaining productive operations and asserting enough authority can be tough. Just think how hard this can be for those that are still fairly new to the management role. Keeping this in mind, we’re going to share some helpful advice in order for you to get rolling towards a productive and safe warehouse operation.

Earn Their Support

Without trust, managing your warehouse staff can be impossible. The group should understand that you’re not only informed about the goals to hit each day, but the workers’ daily routines and the way this fits in with long-term warehouse objectives. If you’re not familiar with each obscure piece of equipment your teams use and operate, put in the extra work so you know what they know. For example, if you know the ins and outs of operating that kneader mixer in the back corner of the production area, facing a problem that that team runs into will be that much smoother since you have solid background information.

Moreover, the employees want to feel comfortable at any point to communicate work-related issues with you including concerns or requests. This isn’t required, but it’s also good if employees can come to talk to you about personal matters. Sometimes, being a good manager means being an open ear. This is up to you. However, it’s important to remember that the employees that are distracted by personal matters are often the ones that make careless mistakes. Making yourself available for them in tough times can alleviate some of that stress while they’re at work so they can focus on their jobs.

You can’t have trust without a foundation of transparency. Your employees should know that every incoming shipment, order, and inventory report is vital to the overall prosperity of the business and needs to be monitored closely. By showing them you care about the quality of work, you help them to see why they should as well.

Communication

When it works, communication is invaluable. As the manager, it rests on you to make sure that communication is effective throughout your fellow management, team, customers and suppliers. That means everyone is kept up-to-date about the latest business developments that impact them.

This is achievable and maintainable by holding regular meetings with your team to provide opportunities for quality conversations. In addition to discussing inventory needs, warehouse operations, shipments, upcoming orders and updates, use this period to allow your team to disclose workplace-affecting problems.

This helps you get the opportunity to stop issues early on before they become large, unmanageable problems. When workers feel more like they’re getting the scoop on what’s affecting them, they’ll believe you care about them more and more.

Hands-On Training

To assist in addressing changes in your operations, relay such adjustments to your company and impart the required training to help with the changes. Training is ultimately going to give your employees the skills and knowledge to fulfill their duties successfully so you don’t feel the need to micromanage.

A well-trained employee is one that you can trust to do their work and help the company grow and flourish. Training also allows you to get to know all aspects of the job better. If you’re hands-on with training, you’ll get to know your workforce and their needs. Knowing it can be done with the skills and materials given to them in trainings means everyone knows where they stand and what expectations you have for them.

A well-informed manager is a good manager. When you work hard to earn the trust of, communicate with and train your employees properly, you grow into the manager you would want to have if you were in their place.