Although the national health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been lifted, the nationwide supply chain is still feeling the impact. Material shortages, transit complications, and other issues continue to create challenging obstacles. Among the most pressing issues facing enterprises throughout the industry is an ongoing labor shortage. According to one study, by 2030 more than 2 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in the U.S. alone.
Across the supply chain, the career opportunities are numerous — from transportation to manufacturing to fulfillment, and a great deal more. According to a new report from the Association of Supply Chain Management, salaries for U.S. supply chain careers rose 3% year-over-year to a median annual income of $98,570 in 2023 — it’s an attractive industry, and as consumer demand rises, so does the demand for qualified supply chain professionals.
Technology and Supply Chain Careers
Technological advances have impacted how the supply chain operates in countless ways. With the introduction of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation in fulfillment centers and even on the roadways, many professionals have worried whether their jobs will be supplanted. But with many of these technologies, a human worker remains a vital part of the process. Some even believe that the introduction of warehouse technology opens new opportunities for the supply chain workforce and provides workers with an opportunity to expand their skill sets. Increased use of technology can also make the industry more attractive to workers as more tedious manual processes become automated. Now more than ever, the next generation of workers has an opportunity to build a rewarding career in a well-established industry.
Attracting the Supply Chain Workforce of the Future
Today’s employers recognize that recruiting and retaining talent requires a variety of incentives to remain competitive. These can include:
- Sign-on bonuses
- Tuition stipends
- Flexible/hybrid work schedules
- Childcare assistance
- Expanded healthcare benefits
The need to identify and prioritize incentives is even more important when we consider the overall labor shortage across the supply chain and the potential lost revenues that can result. The industry faces a tremendous challenge, but the good news is that there are plenty of opportunities for enterprising professionals who want to build a fulfilling career.
Companies that invest in a strong workforce also invest in durable, environmentally friendly iGPS plastic pallets for all their shipping needs. Our lightweight, recyclable plastic pallets incorporate RFID technology, making them traceable throughout a supply chain. For more information, contact us at 1-866-557-0047, email a specialist at switch@igps.net, or visit our contact page
