How to Hire Pickers: The Complete Guide for Modern Warehouses

If you run a warehouse, distribution center, or any business where inventory moves fast, you know that finding and keeping great pickers is a bit like trying to keep your best batter in the lineup during playoffs—essential, but not always easy. The demand for reliable, efficient pickers has never been higher, and the strategies for hiring them have changed just as quickly as the technology in your facility. So, how do you hire pickers who actually stick around and keep your operation running smoothly? Let’s take a look at what works, what doesn’t, and how you can build a team that’s ready for anything.

Understanding the Role: What Makes a Great Picker?

Before you can recruit order pickers who fit your needs, you’ve got to know what you’re actually looking for. Pickers are the backbone of your warehouse—they’re responsible for locating, selecting, and preparing items for shipment. But it’s not just about speed. Attention to detail, stamina, and a knack for teamwork are just as important. And let’s be honest, the best pickers are worth their weight in gold, especially during peak season.

Key Qualities to Look For

• Reliability: Consistent attendance and punctuality can make or break your daily targets. High turnover is a killer in any operation.
• Attention to Detail: Even one wrong item can cause a cascade of headaches—returns, unhappy customers, you name it.
• Physical Endurance: Picking isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a job that keeps you moving.
• Team Player: A picker who can work well with others helps keep the floor running like a well-oiled machine.

For a deeper dive into what makes a great hourly worker, check out these traits of committed employees.

Where and How to Find Warehouse Workers

Now, let’s talk about the real challenge—how do you actually find warehouse workers who want to stay? The old “help wanted” sign just doesn’t cut it anymore. Today’s pickers are scrolling through job boards, checking out companies on social media, and reading reviews before they even think about applying. If you want to stand out, you need to meet them where they are.

Modern Sourcing Strategies

• Leverage Technology: Platforms like Workstream are built for hourly hiring and can help you automate the process, from screening to scheduling interviews.
• Use Social Media: Posting jobs on Instagram or Facebook can attract younger, tech-savvy candidates. Here’s how to use Instagram to hire hourly workers.
• Job Boards: Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted job posting. For inspiration, see these best job posting examples.
• Employee Referrals: Your current team knows what it takes—ask them to refer friends or family who fit the bill.

And if you want to get a bit more creative, these creative tips for job postings can help your ad stand out in a crowded field.

Picker Recruitment: Screening, Interviewing, and Selection

So, you’ve got a stack of applications—now what? The secret sauce is a streamlined, fair, and thorough process. Honestly, if you ask me, nothing slows down hiring like endless back-and-forth or unclear expectations. Let me explain how to make picker recruitment smoother and more effective.

Screening Essentials

• Automated Screening: Use tools to filter out candidates who don’t meet your basic criteria. Workstream’s hiring automation can save hours each week on this step.
• Skills Assessments: Consider quick tests for attention to detail or physical capability. It’s not about trick questions—just making sure they’re up for the job.

Interviewing Tips

• Behavioral Questions: Ask about real-world scenarios. For ideas, check out these cultural fit interview questions.
• Motivational Techniques: Use proven strategies to gauge commitment, like motivational interviewing techniques.
• STAR Method: Encourage candidates to answer using the STAR method for clarity and depth.

And remember, a quick turnaround is key—reducing time-to-hire by half can help you snag top talent before someone else does.

Retaining Pick and Pack Workers: Beyond the First Day

Let’s say you’ve managed to recruit pick and pack workers who are eager and ready to go. The real challenge? Keeping them. Turnover in warehousing can be brutal—some studies suggest it costs up to 200% of an employee’s annual salary to replace them (Harvard Business Review). So, what can you do to keep your best workers on your team?

Onboarding and Training

• Structured Onboarding: A clear, supportive start makes all the difference. Use these onboarding templates to set new hires up for success.
• Mentorship: Pair newbies with experienced pickers for their first week or two. It’s a simple way to build confidence and camaraderie.

Engagement and Benefits

• Offer Flexibility: If you can, let workers swap shifts or pick up extra hours. Flexible scheduling can reduce turnover (Work-schedule instability increases turnover).
• Competitive Pay and Perks: Even small benefits—like instant pay access—can make a big difference. Learn how instant pay access boosts retention.
• Recognition: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple thank you or a shout-out for a job well done.

For more on the impact of benefits, see the Impact of Benefits on Recruitment & Retention report.

Reducing Turnover: Real-World Solutions

• Employee turnover is expensive—proactive engagement and clear communication are your best defense.
• Consider using digital communication tools to keep everyone informed and reduce no-shows. For example, employee communication solutions can help keep your team connected.
• Want to see how tech can help? Take a look at how Gap gave employees more control over their schedules.

Compliance, Scheduling, and the Role of Technology

Here’s the thing—hiring pickers isn’t just about finding bodies for the floor. You’ve got to keep your operation compliant with labor laws, manage complex schedules, and make sure you’re not overpaying or understaffing. That’s where platforms like Workstream shine, letting you automate everything from hiring to scheduling and payroll.

Staying Compliant

• Keep accurate records of hours and pay—see the Department of Labor’s recordkeeping rules.
• Make sure you’re following all relevant safety and wage regulations. Mistakes here can cost you big time—sometimes up to $25K a year in lawsuits and fees.

Scheduling for Success

• Use digital scheduling tools to avoid overstaffing or understaffing. This can save you $10K per year per location, according to Workstream data.
• Give employees as much control as possible over their shifts. This isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a proven way to boost morale and retention.

Conclusion: Building a Winning Picker Team

Hiring and keeping great pickers isn’t rocket science, but it does take intention, the right tools, and a genuine commitment to your team’s well-being. By focusing on clear job descriptions, streamlined hiring processes, and real engagement strategies, you’ll not only hire pickers who show up—you’ll keep them coming back, shift after shift.

If you’re ready to modernize your approach, platforms like Workstream are designed to help you find, recruit, and retain the best pickers in the business. Want to learn more? Check out these resources for additional tips and inspiration:

• Restaurant hiring: What you need to know
• 4 tips for calling out benefits in your job descriptions
• 5 Traits of committed employees
• 5 Onboarding Templates For a Great New Hire Experience
• Maximize efficiency with a 24 hour schedule template