The growth in logistics and supply chain services escalates the need to fill open positions promptly. In response, some logistics companies are turning to workplace automation technology. While this approach may reduce the overall need for labor, it will increase the demand for skilled logistics workers who can manage these advanced systems.
Ultimately, the global shortage of skilled workers creates significant challenges for logistics employers striving to attract top talent. However, with the right resources and hiring strategies, logistics and supply chain companies can excel in recruiting the talent they need to be successful in an unpredictable market.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what companies can do to attract and retain top talent in logistics, focusing on these areas:
competitive compensation
If your logistics company is struggling to attract and recruit skilled workers, a crucial step is to reassess your current compensation package. A recent study revealed that 67% of logistics and supply chain workers earned more in 2023 than the previous year, indicating that many employers have adjusted their pay scales, further intensifying the competition for top talent.
Increasing salaries might seem challenging in today's unpredictable markets, especially when many companies are focused on supply chain cost-saving measures. However, with the right approach, it's possible to raise wages without escalating overall expenses. By using market research to determine optimal salary ranges, companies can reduce employee turnover, lower absenteeism, and minimize mandated overtime, leading to cost savings that can offset the higher salaries.
If your company does not offer competitive wages, the most qualified workers will look elsewhere.
Logistics candidates are now more informed than at any time in history. They quickly research companies, read reviews, and compare salaries. The reality is that if your company does not offer competitive wages, the most qualified workers will look elsewhere. Even worse, without a competitive compensation package, your company may also risk losing its current employees.
work-life balance
According to a recent study, 76% of logistics operators are grappling with labor shortages, with the transportation sector being hit the hardest. These troubling numbers underscore the urgent need for employers to offer an attractive workplace, with promoting a healthy work-life balance being a key strategy.
However, amidst escalating demand for just-in-time supplies and heightened logistics competition, achieving a good work-life balance poses a significant challenge. Nevertheless, it remains pivotal, as studies show that an increasing number of workers seek employers committed to enabling a good balance between work, leisure, and everyday life.
Introducing remote or hybrid work options can bolster work-life balance, empowering logistics employees to manage their professional and personal lives with greater flexibility. While remote working can be difficult for some logistics employers, such as those in warehousing and transportation, looking for ways to help employees manage a better work-life balance is essential. Perks, such as increased personal time off (PTO) and shift swapping, are examples of benefits employers can offer.
flexible scheduling
Flexibility has emerged as a top benefit logistics candidates want, manifesting in various forms such as flexible scheduling, part-time hours, or shift-swapping options. From our conversations with logistics professionals, many express a desire for greater autonomy in choosing when, where, and occasionally, with whom they work.
As discussions on working hours for logistics workers and drivers intensify, adopting flexible scheduling – such as flexible or compressed hours (longer hours over fewer days) – can be a solution for your business and workforce.
Facilitating employee-driven shift swapping is another effective measure that can help boost morale in your workforce. There are multiple tools for shift swapping that provide employees with greater control over their schedules while simultaneously freeing up time for team leaders.
Undoubtedly, embracing flexible work schedules and exploring remote work options where feasible respond to the increasing demand for enhanced flexibility and improved work-life balance.
training and career progress
The growing skills gap has forced many employers in the logistics industry to put a greater emphasis on training. After all, if there are not enough skilled workers in the market today, companies may have no choice but to develop their talent in-house.
This development aligns closely with the priorities of top talent, as 44% of respondents in the Workmonitor 2025 survey stated they would not accept a job without opportunities to develop future-relevant skills. Considering that logistics companies compete for top talent with businesses in all industries, this number provides valuable guidance for HR departments in the logistics sector.
Implementing a career development program with continuous learning opportunities can increase your potential to attract logistics talent. With the right training program, you can also work toward closing the skills gap within your company. Best of all, a comprehensive career development program can help improve retention rates.
additional perks and benefits
Competitive salaries, work-life balance, and career development opportunities are great incentives for attracting and retaining top talent in the logistics industry. However, other benefits also play a significant role. As global uncertainty has spurred workers worldwide to reevaluate what types of perks are most important to them, employers must understand and adapt to this shift by providing benefits that matter to their workforce as well as potential logistics candidates.
Key benefits and perks that logistics companies may consider include:
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health insurance
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wellness programs
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profit-sharing plans
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retirement plans
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mobility (e.g., availability of electric bikes)
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on-site services
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free breakfast, free parking, etc.
Although the perks and benefits listed above are commonly asked for, always make sure to survey your employees to find out if these benefits are still top priority or if it has changed. Reach out to employees at all levels in the workplace to better understand their current needs. Then use the information collected during employee surveys to develop a meaningful benefits package.
The labor shortage in the logistics industry is expected to intensify in the coming years. Therefore, employers must now take steps to prepare their businesses for an ever-changing job market. Adopting the strategies presented in this article will help you attract skilled workers and contribute to a motivated workforce, boosting your company's overall success.
sofie maervoet
vp global concepts staffing
Sofie is one of the staffing leaders in Randstad with a track record in process optimization, training and coaching. She started her career as a staffing consultant in Randstad Belgium in 2002. Later, she joined the team in Randstad Switzerland as concept manager until she joined the global concept development team in 2018.