Warehouse workers, also called “Picker”, assist skilled workers in the warehouse with picking, packing items, and receiving or issuing goods and materials. They assist in loading and unloading trucks or rail cars and, as instructed, post incoming and outgoing goods on the computer. They also assist in arranging shipments according to transport route and destination and in assembling loading units. In addition, they maintain and service the equipment and technical aids used in the warehouse, sort out goods whose usability is limited in time, and perform cleaning work. During inventory work, the assistants count the stock of goods and usually record it using mobile data recording devices. As co-drivers, they accompany truck drivers on delivery trips, for example, and help unload and stow packages, boxes or bags. In rail-bound freight or passenger transport, the helpers support the skilled workers, e.g. when loading goods and luggage, and in the area of railroad operations also, e.g. when securing construction work on railroad lines. In forwarding agencies and moving companies they help with removals and furniture transport. They disassemble furniture, pack it, label it, load it and transport it to its destination. In ports, for example, they help load and unload ships or check the weight of goods.
In German, Warehouse Worker is called…
Lagerhelfer | Lagermitarbeiter | Kommisionierer | Verpacker
Why should You apply as a Warehouse Worker
1. Flexible Scheduling: Warehouse pickers often enjoy the benefit of flexible schedules, either in terms of hours worked per week or in terms of the days they work. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for those with children or other commitments that require them to have a certain degree of flexibility in their work schedule.
2. Variety of Work: Warehouse pickers typically handle a variety of tasks throughout the day, such as packing and sorting, checking stock levels, and loading and unloading trucks. This variety can help to keep the job interesting and engaging.
3. Opportunity for Advancement: Warehouse pickers often have the opportunity to move up in the company and take on more responsibility. With the right skills and experience, pickers can become supervisors or even managers, with increased pay and additional benefits.
4. Physical Activity: Warehouse pickers are typically engaged in physical activity throughout their shift, which can help to keep them in shape.
5. Job Security: Warehouse jobs are generally considered to be relatively secure, as long as the company is doing well. This can provide job security, even in the face of economic downturns.
Many job ads mention the following advantages and benefits:
- Vacation and Christmas bonuses
- Travel allowance and employee driving service
- Further training, qualification and health check-ups
- Individual support
- Good working atmosphere
- (night) shift bonuses, vacation and Christmas allowance
- full- or part-time, day or night shift
- A crisis-proof job
- guaranteed salary increase according to collective agreement and punctual salary
- Paid training – possible in many languages
- Free equipment, such as safety shoes and protective gloves
- Attractive employee offers such as discounts with mobile phone providers, fitness studios, fashion brands, etc.
Hourly wages are frequently announced as 12.60 to 15€
Next career steps could be a vocational education to “Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik”.
Basic Requirements for Warehouse Workers…
German Minimum A2 | Health
What it needs to succeed as a Warehouse Worker
- see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
- tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without “giving out” or fatiguing.
- quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
What to Do in detail
- Examine and inspect containers, materials, or products to ensure that product quality and packing specifications are met.
- Measure, weigh, and count products and materials.
- Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and records.
- Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools.
- Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.