Page 24 - Logistics News - November December 2022

FL EXIBL E S T A FFING

The benefits of flexible staffing

By Tania Govender, Sales Director at Worldwide Staffing

Flexible staffing is key in optimising warehousing and distribution logistics

during the peak season and beyond.

ith the peak season upon us, demand for The labour provided will have the necessary knowledge
supply has increased considerably. The and experience required for their specific job function,
Wwarehousing and distribution function is including adhering to specific requested packing patterns to
central to and critical in the supply chain. A flexible ensure a strong, structured pallet is completed each time.
workforce is therefore key in optimising warehousing An experienced TES provider will also be able to supply any
and distribution and a temporary employment services category of staff required for a warehouse and distribution
(TES) provider is the perfect partner to assist. operation. Functions such as picking, packing, stacking of
warehouse shelves and dispatching can all be taken care of,
Safety first: Taking on additional labour as and when with a TES provider supplying experienced, screened and
required can help with controlling costs and catering to vetted staff at short notice and for any period required.
flexible demand. However, for companies trying to perform
this process in-house, it can be an administrative nightmare. Don’t cut corners: In trying to meet increased
This often leads to shortcuts in the recruitment process as consumer demand, companies may be pressured into cutting
the urgency to get hands on deck becomes critical. This could corners to increase turnaround and delivery times. But
result in contravention of labour laws if due process is not often with shortcuts, companies don’t realise that they are
correctly followed. In addition, inexperienced staff can be actually in contravention of legislation and are therefore
more of a burden than a benefit, because the process takes non-compliant.
longer, delaying operations, and the increase in damaged
goods costs money. Verifying labour is an extensive manual process and is
extremely time consuming when done correctly and it can be
Partnering with a reputable TES provider ensures that neglected due to everyday and ongoing work commitments.
qualified, experienced warehouse staff are available on Violation of promulgated minimum wages and working
demand as and when the services are required and for as hours or compromising safety laws with inexperienced
long as they are needed. The right TES partner will have labour can have a detrimental effect on a company and can
highly trained warehouse labour on hand to ensure tasks are result in financial penalties, damaged reputation, loss of
completed quickly and efficiently, with safety remaining a clientele and overall decreased company performance.
high priority.
An experienced and verified staffing service provider
Value beyond placement of staff: An experienced will ensure every aspect of the labour supply is managed
TES provider has the intricate knowledge of understanding in full compliance to labour laws and the Road Freight and
exactly how a warehouse and distribution operation Logistics Industry Bargaining Council for the entire period
L O GI S T I CS NEWS include working with loading and offloading containers associated with the labour supply, providing the client with
of supply. A verified TES provider will manage all risks
works, knows that the workflow process does not just
the peace of mind that all labour associated requirements are
and understands the process does not stop there. Taking
being handled and managed legally, allowing them to fully
inventory of stock, palletising and shrink-wrapping products
concentrate on their operations and, in turn, increase their
or offloading according to outbound orders are services that
can be included as well.
supply to meet demand. •
22 NO V E MB E R/D E C E MB E R 2022 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a