Too Hot, Too Cold, Too Gone: Warehouse Temperatures Drive Staff Turnover

Employee retention in Australia's warehousing sector, particularly among factory floor staff, is a critical concern for many organisations. High turnover rates not only disrupt operations but also incur significant costs related to recruitment and training. One often-overlooked factor contributing to employee dissatisfaction and departure is the thermal environment within warehouses. Extreme temperatures—whether too hot or too cold—can adversely affect worker comfort, health, and productivity, leading to increased turnover.

DID YOU KNOW?

Understanding the Impact of Temperature on Warehouse Staff

Warehouses are susceptible to temperature extremes due to several factors:

• Inadequate Insulation: Many warehouses lack proper insulation, causing them to become excessively hot during summer and unbearably cold in winter.
• Large Open Spaces: The expansive nature of warehouses can make it challenging to regulate temperature effectively, especially if heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are insufficient or non-existent.
• Frequent Openings: Constant opening and closing of large doors for loading and unloading can lead to significant temperature fluctuations, making it difficult to maintain a stable indoor climate.

Top 6 Strategies for Mitigating Temperature-Related Turnover

To help minimise injury, illness, absenteeism and staff turnover, here are six initiatives you could consider implementing:

• Consider your Climate Control Systems: Installing effective HVAC systems can help maintain a comfortable working environment year-round.
• Improve Insulation: Upgrading insulation can prevent extreme temperature fluctuations inside, making the workspace more comfortable for employees.
• Invest in Upgraded Door Solutions: Fast acting rapid doors – such as the Movidor range by Remax Doors – at the key access points  (for forklifts or pedestrians, etc.) can ensure that heated, ventilated or air conditioned spaces within the warehouse remain that way, without negatively impacting business operations the way traditional roller shutters do.
• Implement Heat Stress Prevention Programs: Educate staff on recognising heat stress symptoms. You might provide regular breaks in cooler areas during hot periods, include water coolers in staff areas, or increase access to cold drinking water.
• Provide Appropriate Workwear: Supply employees with clothing suitable for varying temperatures, such as breathable fabrics for summer and thermal wear for winter.
• Flexible Scheduling: Consider adjusting work schedules where possible, to avoid employees having to work in extreme conditions (hot or cold).

Conclusion

Investing in solutions to address temperature-related challenges in warehouses is not just a matter of compliance, but also a great way to achieve improvements in employee satisfaction and retention, in turn saving the business thousands of dollars. By creating a more comfortable and safe working environment, organisations can reduce turnover rates and enhance overall productivity. 

Do you know how much absenteeism and injury is costing your business every year?

Sources:
https://www.monash.edu/business/che/research-highlights/research-articles/as-temperatures-rise-across-australia-our-workplaces-are-becoming-more-dangerous
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275873861_Heat_stress_causes_substantial_labour_productivity_loss_in_Australia 
https://www.busyatwork.com.au/chucking-top-industries-sickies-australia/ 
https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/hours-worked-fall-more-people-sick-or-leave