what is a warehouse worker?
As a warehouse worker, you can have varied tasks. You may handle raw materials and products that will be used in the production of another company. As a warehouse worker, you can also work at a wholesale company, which is responsible for storing finished products and distributing them to retailers. Large retailers have their own warehouses, where warehouse workers are responsible for distributing the products internally. As a warehouse worker, you are responsible for storing, packing, and forwarding the products to the next stage in the logistics chain.
When the products arrive at the warehouse where you work, you must confirm that they match the documentation for the delivery and that the quantity in the delivery corresponds to the quantity on the invoice or in the order. As a warehouse worker, you may also be responsible for preparing and completing documentation for deliveries. This requires that the products handled in the warehouse are managed properly and can be delivered further while maintaining high quality.
warehouse worker jobswhat does a warehouse worker do?
Warehouse worker is a logistics job, where you primarily work in the logistics flow at, for example, a large department store or with a retailer. All companies that have a large distribution section or a big warehouse where they store their products before sending them on, either directly to customers, other retailers, or physical stores, need warehouse workers. Some warehouse workers are also responsible for the deliveries themselves, and in those cases, the job can include driving large trucks from one department store to another, or from one location to another.
Would the role of warehouse worker suit you? If you appreciate a physical and active job, the position of warehouse worker is a good option. You can read more below about which skills, experience and qualifications you need to succeed in the role of warehouse worker.
average salary as warehouse worker.
The average salary for a warehouse worker can be between 27,000 - 32,000 kronor per month.
Furthermore, you should keep in mind that the salary as a warehouse worker can vary greatly depending on your employer and how long you have worked as a warehouse worker. There are many different responsibilities a warehouse worker can have, and the salary level differs depending on how much responsibility you have in your role.
Some warehouse workers also work at inconvenient hours and in many cases are entitled to what is called shift allowance. This means the pay is better, since you work late evenings, weekends, or nights. Shift compensation is also common, as many warehouses have the principle of always being in operation.
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which factors affect the salary for a warehouse worker?
There are many factors that can affect the salary of a warehouse worker. The choice of industry you work in is one such factor, as different industries and different types of warehouse jobs require different levels of experience, knowledge, and qualifications. For example, if you work for a large retailer, your salary will differ compared to a warehouse worker who works at a company that runs its own production and is part of a larger logistics chain.
The tasks and workload also vary between different jobs. In some cases, special qualifications are required to handle certain materials or use specific equipment. For example, it is common for warehouse workers to train to become forklift operators, in order to drive a forklift at work and qualify for a higher salary. In the Swedish market, a forklift license (truckkort) is required to drive a forklift in a warehouse.
Another factor that affects the salary for a warehouse worker is the working hours. Some work shifts and are often entitled to shift allowances. Others work at inconvenient times such as weekends, evenings, and nights. This can mean a higher salary as compensation for working at times when fewer staff are available.
Also keep in mind that there is often a hierarchy in a warehouse and that different warehouse workers have different areas of responsibility. Some have a more overall responsibility or are in charge of an entire logistics chain. That type of responsibility and role often means a higher salary, since you simply have heavier responsibilities.
As with all jobs and workplaces, the salary in larger cities and more expensive areas, including around the capital Stockholm, is generally slightly better than in smaller towns across the country. The reason is that the cost of living in such a region is higher.
different types of warehouse worker.
Working as a warehouse worker can involve different roles and tasks. Some examples of warehouse worker roles are:
- Order picking: you are responsible for collecting orders from customers and assembling their orders according to the request. You are often also responsible for passing this order along in the logistics chain, to the warehouse worker who is in charge of deliveries.
- Forklift operator: in Sweden, a forklift license is required to operate a forklift in a warehouse, within an industry, or at a larger terminal. If you, as a warehouse worker, are responsible for driving a forklift, you work either with internal logistics or with preparing larger orders.
to work as a warehouse worker.
Working as a warehouse worker can involve many different things. Some of the responsibilities, tasks, and working hours are described in more detail below.
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tasks
Some of the tasks as a warehouse worker include:
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inspect incoming products
A warehouse worker receives products, materials, and other goods delivered to the warehouse. Your job consists of unloading and confirming the delivery. You will inspect the packages and document any damages before signing for the delivery. It is also extremely important to count the number of packages and check the delivery documents.
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organize goods in the warehouse
After you have received the delivery, you need to sort the goods and arrange them in the warehouse. It is important to identify how the warehouse environment is to ensure that the high quality standards are met. If the goods need to be refrigerated or require any other form of special storage, you are responsible for arranging it.
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process goods to be forwarded
Order picking is an important task when a customer places an order. You need to gather the goods and ensure that the order is delivered on time. You pick the customer's order from the warehouse and pack this order in a parcel, ready for delivery. You are also responsible for preparing the documentation for the delivery.
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document product information
As a warehouse worker, you are responsible for keeping track of inventory in the warehouse. This includes checking both goods that arrive and those that leave the warehouse. You need to document product information using scanners or another system used by the company. This is because you will be handling large amounts of goods and cannot be expected to remember everything on your own.
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keep detailed documentation of invoices and deliveries
Documentation is important in a warehouse. As a warehouse worker, you are responsible for ensuring that the delivery of goods is carried out correctly. You need to document every delivery and every invoice, with the number of goods delivered and other relevant information.
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optimize the space in the warehouse
When you handle goods in the warehouse, you need to optimize the space to ensure that all goods fit and are easily accessible for your colleagues.
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work environment
As a warehouse worker, you work in large warehouses, for big companies or in other spacious areas. Many warehouse facilities have modern equipment to ensure that the goods maintain consistently high quality, including good air conditioning and ventilation. Some warehouse facilities are very clean and tidy, because a high level of organization is required. Other warehouse facilities, such as those handling raw materials, are dirtier. This can involve warehouse facilities in the manufacturing industry.
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your colleagues
Depending on who your employer is, your colleagues may be shop assistants if you work for a large retailer that has its own warehouse. You may also have colleagues who work as truck driver or who are supervisors at the warehouse where you work. If you work at a warehouse that is responsible for its own deliveries, you may also have colleagues who work as truck drivers.
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work schedule
As a warehouse worker, there are different types of employment you can take. It’s not uncommon to work as a warehouse worker alongside studies or another occupation. Many companies that hire warehouse workers want to offer permanent positions, either full-time or part-time employment. Full-time means working up to 40 hours per week.
The work schedule as a warehouse worker varies depending on which company you work for. Some warehouses operate around the clock. In those cases, shift work is often required, with inconvenient working hours in the evenings and on weekends. Warehouses that handle large volumes of goods may also offer overtime pay during busy periods, such as at Christmas when retailers have a greater need for goods.
A warehouse worker usually works in one place throughout the entire workday. No travel is required for the job, since the work as a warehouse worker is primarily located in the warehouse facility.
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future prospects
Warehouse worker is an entry-level job that offers good opportunities to build your experience and skills. There are also several ways to take on more responsibility when working as a warehouse worker. For example, someone who starts with a fixed-term or hourly position can work their way up to a permanent job.
When you have enough experience and skills that can be applied to other roles, you may be given greater responsibility, such as supervisor. In such a role, you can further build your experience and skills, so that you can then advance and become warehouse manager or similar. Some warehouse managers later get the opportunity to work for retailers, in positions with responsibility related to logistics.
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benefits of finding a job as a warehouse worker through randstad
Attention find a job as a warehouse worker via Randstad gives you several advantages
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a wide range of competence and development opportunities
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an experienced contact person who can help you when needed
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a wide selection job opportunities in your area
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monthly salary
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fixed-term and permanent employment depending on job/assignment
Do you want a permanent position as a warehouse worker? A temporary job as a warehouse worker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, several people get a permanent position with employers thanks to a temporary job that has come through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.
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education and qualifications for warehouse workers.
No formal education is required to work as a warehouse worker, but having experience handling goods is an advantage. Some ways to get the job are:
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internship
You can become a warehouse worker through an internship and thus work while you study a course or a full program. It is a good way to get your foot in the door, so you can later work alongside your studies or eventually get a permanent position.
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work experience
It is entirely possible to get a temporary job as a warehouse worker, for example a substitute position or a summer job. No formal education or courses are required, but having previous work experience can be an advantage. However, it often comes down to showing initiative at work.
When it comes to training for warehouse workers, a forklift license is a good idea to become more attractive to employers. It is a legal requirement to have a forklift license to operate a forklift at Swedish companies with warehouse operations. This means that those who have a forklift license have greater opportunities to get a warehouse job, or have greater opportunities to advance to other roles within the company.
knowledge and skills.
To be successful as a warehouse worker, you need to develop the following skills:
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organization
A warehouse worker needs to be organized to be effective at their job. With knowledge of structure and organization, you can optimize your work, make things easier for your colleagues, and become more efficient. You also get better at handling stressful situations and the fast pace that is not uncommon for a warehouse worker.
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IT skills
Basic IT skills are good to have in the role of warehouse worker, to be able to document different parts of the operation.
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problem solving
A warehouse worker is a job that involves a great deal of personal responsibility. Having a strong problem-solving ability will make the workflow easier. It is also something that develops over time, and makes you more attractive for other roles in the future.
frequently asked questions about the warehouse worker role.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a warehouse worker.
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what does a warehouse worker earn?
The average salary for a warehouse worker can be between 27,000 - 32,000 kronor per month.
It is also important to keep in mind that the salary for a warehouse worker can vary greatly, depending on which employer you have and how long you have worked as a warehouse worker. There are many different responsibilities a warehouse worker can have, and the salary level differs depending on how much responsibility you have in your role.
Some warehouse workers also work at inconvenient hours and in many cases are entitled to what is called shift allowance. This means the pay is better, since you work late evenings, weekends, or nights. Shift pay is also common, as many warehouses have the principle of always being in operation.
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what does a warehouse worker do?
A warehouse worker can have many different tasks and roles, depending on which company you work for and what experience you have. One example is working as an order picker. In that case, you put together orders from customers, package them, and make sure they are delivered to the customer.
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how do I apply for a warehouse worker job?
It's easy to apply for a job as a warehouse worker. Search among our open jobs in your area. then submit your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn.
If you need help with your job application, you can read all our guide's job tips here!
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further reading about the warehouse worker role
Here you can find more information about the role warehouse worker.
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