Warehouse labor study: Industry shows signs of stabilization and growth

Instawork, a leading work platform that connects local businesses with a network of more than 6 million hourly workers across North America, has  released its annual State of Warehouse Labor report. After years of uncertainty, the market for warehouse labor is showing signs of improvement and stabilization, Instawork explained.

Instawork surveyed a sample of its warehouse business partners from across the United States and Canada. Their outlook on staffing was more positive than in 2023, but there was still a sense of urgency, the study found.

Though nearly 40% (38%) of surveyed warehouse operators reported that staffing is becoming easier compared to previous years, nearly half of respondents (43%) indicated they are still forgoing revenue due to staffing shortages. It’s important to note that the expected revenue loss is much lower than in 2022 when 64% of respondents said they had to forgo revenue that amounted to more than 25% of their total business, Instawork added.. 

The average hourly pay for warehouse shifts on Instawork rose by 8% since mid-2020, with expectations for further increases of up to 5% in 2024. Higher pay remains the top incentive for attracting and retaining workers, with flexible schedules coming in second. However, fewer respondents indicated they are offering additional incentives compared to 2023. To view the full report, please visit here.

Warehouse operators are increasingly using data-driven insights and AI to improve labor forecasting and efficiency, Instawork noted. Best practices include offering competitive pay rates, clear job descriptions, and pre-shift training videos to ensure worker readiness.

“Our goal at Instawork is to equip the industry with the most up-to-date insights into emerging trends, allowing warehouses to optimize their staffing approaches to ensure consistent and efficient operations,” said Kira Caban, Head of Strategic Communications for Instawork. “This is a pivotal moment for warehouse operators to leverage data-driven insights and adopt best practices to ensure they have the necessary staff to handle demand and achieve their revenue goals.”

With greater stability in the labor market, Instawork added it is an opportune time for warehouses to secure long-term commitments from their staff. Instawork offers various long-term and temp-to-hire options to support these needs.

Founded in 2016, Instawork is a flexible work app for local, hourly professionals. Its digital marketplace connects thousands of businesses and more than six million workers.