General Labor, It’s Not A Bad Word

Warehouse and Operations as a Career

Welcome to another episode of Warehouse and Operations as a Career, where we explore the unsung heroes who keep our industries running smoothly. I’m Marty, and today we’re diving into the world of general labor tasks in the warehouse and light industrial industry.

Warehouses and light industrial facilities are really the backbone of countless industries. From manufacturing, production and distribution, these environments are where the magic happens—where products are made, stored, and shipped to their final destinations. But what exactly goes into the daily tasks of a general laborer in these settings? And there’s literally thousands of answers. What challenges do they face, and what skills are crucial for success?

So why does the term G/L turn so many people off? This week I heard a hiring agent offer a gentleman a position, used the term general labor, and the individual stated they did not do G/L work. They had applied for a material handler position, the task was defined and listed as unloading apparel from boxes, inspecting as q/c or quality control, remove misprinted tagging, fold, and place in another box to be palletized and stored until needed to ship out. No warehouse equipment usage, machine, nor scanning or anything.

General labor task are hard to define in todays world. Agency recruiters, like staffing groups, seem to use the term when little to no training is involved or needed past like the first day of employment. I like to think the term means and welcomes a new boot to our industry! I mean for all our “get your foot in the door tasks” that can lead us to the more skilled positions, more money, and those long term careers that many of us are working for. And I’d like to throw in here that there is nothing wrong with just working at a job, sometimes careers or long term vision isen’t necessary or not a life being chased. And that’s ok.

So I wanted to ask a pro and I emailed a light industrial recruiter and asked them to define General Labor tasks or positions to me. Here is what I got back. In a warehouse or light industrial setting, general labor refers to a broad range of tasks that keep the operation running smoothly. These tasks can vary widely depending on the industry, the size of the facility, and the specific needs of the employer. However, there are some common duties that most general laborers can expect to perform.

First and foremost, general laborers are often responsible for material handling. This involves the movement, storage, and control of materials and products throughout the warehouse. It can include tasks like loading and unloading trucks, moving products to and from storage areas, and ensuring that inventory is properly organized and accessible.

In addition to material handling, general laborers may be tasked with assembly or production work. In light industrial settings, this could involve assembling products or components, operating machinery, or assisting in the production process. While these tasks might not require specialized skills or training, they do demand attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Another key responsibility is order picking and packing. As e-commerce continues to grow, the demand for efficient order fulfillment has skyrocketed. General laborers play a crucial role in this process by locating products within the warehouse, packing them securely, and preparing them for shipment. Speed and accuracy are essential here, as mistakes can lead to delays and dissatisfied customers.

Last week we talked about AI in our industry, I just read what I figure was 80% written by AI! However the recruiter did hit on a few points I’d like to explore a bit further.

Of course, none of these tasks would be possible without a focus on safety. Warehouses and industrial facilities can be hazardous environments, with potential risks ranging from heavy machinery to hazardous materials. General laborers must be trained in proper safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. This not only protects them but also ensures a safe working environment for everyone.

I lost my place, ok,Now that we’ve covered the core tasks, let’s talk about some of the challenges that general laborers face in these roles. One of the most significant challenges is the physical demand of the job. General labor tasks often require lifting, carrying, and moving heavy objects, sometimes for extended periods. This can lead to fatigue, muscle strain, and, if not done correctly, injuries.

To reduce these risks, it’s crucial to use proper lifting techniques and to know your limits. Employers should also provide training on ergonomics and encourage workers to take breaks when needed. After all, a healthy worker is a productive worker.

Another challenge is the repetitive nature of many tasks. Whether it’s assembling products on a production line or picking items from shelves, repetition can lead to both physical and mental fatigue. This is where mindfulness and focus come into play. Taking short breaks, stretching, and staying hydrated can help manage the physical strain, while staying mentally engaged in the task at hand can prevent boredom and mistakes.

Efficiency is another critical aspect of general labor work. In a fast-paced environment like a warehouse, time is money. We’re often expected to complete tasks quickly without sacrificing accuracy or safety. This can be stressful, especially when deadlines are tight, or there are unexpected changes in the workload.

To excel in these environments, general laborers need to develop strong time management skills and learn to prioritize tasks effectively. It also helps to be adaptable as things can change quickly in a warehouse, and the ability to pivot and adjust to new priorities is important.

Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in the warehouse and light industrial industries. Automation, robotics, and advanced inventory management systems are transforming how tasks are performed, making some processes faster and more efficient. For general laborers, this means learning to work alongside these technologies and understanding how to leverage them to improve performance. We talked about this last week, remember where I said learn, learn, learn!

For example, barcode scanners and RFID technology have changed inventory management, allowing workers to track products in real time and reduce errors. Oh yeah, and those automated guided vehicles (AGVs) we spoke about can transport materials around the warehouse, reducing the physical burden on workers and increasing efficiency.

However, with the rise of technology also comes the need for new skills. While general labor tasks traditionally required little formal education or training, today’s workers need to be comfortable with technology and willing to learn new systems. This could involve everything from using a tablet to track inventory to operating complex machinery on the production floor.

So, what does it take to succeed as a general laborer in a warehouse or light industrial setting? A few thoughts, and I’d like to hear about yours as well:

1. Reliability: Show up on time, ready to work, and consistently meet or exceed expectations.

1. Attention to Detail: Small mistakes can lead to big problems, so it’s important to be thorough and precise in your work.

1. Physical Stamina: The ability to perform physically demanding tasks over long periods is essential.

1. Adaptability: Be prepared to take on new tasks or adjust to changes in the workflow as needed.

1. And in my opinion, the most important personal asset is A Positive Attitude: A good attitude can make a tough job easier and is often appreciated by both coworkers and supervisors.

For those considering a career in this field, it’s also worth noting that there are a lot of opportunities for growth. Many supervisors and managers in warehouses and industrial settings started out in general labor roles. By gaining experience, developing new skills, and demonstrating leadership abilities, you can advance to higher-paying positions with more responsibility.

That last comment reminds me of an email I received this week. A long time listener, A gentleman from PA wrote to let me know he, through hard work, learning, and obtaining several certifications, had achieved one of his goals he’d been working on. He is now a warehouse receiving manager, preparing for his next steps as director and then a v.p. position. And you know what, he’s going to achieve all his goals. Maybe we can schedule him to visit with us in the near future and walk us through his plan, how he put it together, and where he plans to go within our industry!

That wraps up today’s episode on general labor tasks in the warehouse and light industrial industry. Whether you’re already working in the field or thinking about getting started, I hope we’ve given you some valuable insights into what the job entails and how you can succeed.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Warehouse and Operations as a Career and leave us a review. And as always, if you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out at [e-mail] Until next time, keep working hard and stay safe out there.