How Retailers Can Overcome Warehouse Workforce Challenges During Peak Season

By George Pecchiar, Executive Director - Consumables, Technology, Solutions, Peacock Bros.

As retailers prepare for peak season, managing supply chain workforces becomes one of the most critical yet complex tasks. With half of Australian consumers expected to begin their holiday shopping by October, the rapid changes in demand require retailers to scale operations quickly and efficiently. From hiring seasonal staff to optimising equipment usage, every level of the supply chain feels the pressure. The key to navigating these challenges successfully lies in effective preparation, careful forecasting, and the strategic use of equipment to enhance warehouse and back of store operations.

The Unique Nature of Peak Season

Unlike other times of the year, peak season requires rapid scaling to accommodate a surge in orders, both online and in-store. This pressure extends to all areas of the supply chain—stocking shelves, fulfilling ecommerce orders, and managing reverse logistics with returns. Retailers need to prepare not just for a higher volume of work, but also for greater complexity. Multi-channel fulfillment, varied shipping options, and heightened customer expectations require a warehouse and back of store operation that can handle the surge efficiently.

This is where the role of forecasting becomes essential. Understanding the anticipated volume of orders, the types of products that will be in demand, and the shipping timeframes can help determine the resources needed. However, even the most accurate forecasting doesn't eliminate the need for flexible solutions that can adjust to real-time conditions.

Optimising Workforce and Equipment Efficiency

One of the most significant warehouse challenges during peak season is workforce management. As operations scale up, so does the need for additional labour. Retailers often turn to temporary, seasonal workers to meet this demand. However, bringing on temporary staff introduces new challenges, such as training, onboarding, and integrating them into an already fast-paced environment. To minimise disruptions, retailers need to simplify their processes as much as possible.

Warehouse technology can play a critical role in this regard. By using modern devices—mobile computers, barcode scanners, and printers—retailers can enhance both accuracy and speed in key warehouse operations.

When equipped with advanced technology, warehouses and back of store operations can optimise inventory management, minimise downtime, and ensure orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately. These devices support barcode scanning, real-time inventory updates, and seamless data exportation, ensuring that products are tracked efficiently from the moment they enter the warehouse to the moment they reach customers.

Tackling Workforce Gaps with Smart Hiring and Tools

Seasonal hiring often brings the challenge of balancing quantity with quality. High staff turnover can increase errors and slow down operations if new hires aren't able to keep up with demand. Automation and equipment that streamline workflows can help reduce reliance on a large number of workers carrying out error prone manual tasks. For example, barcode scanners and printers can cut down on picking errors, allowing workers to focus on productivity instead of troubleshooting or redoing tasks.

Retailers also need to ensure that these tools are easy to use. The right equipment can speed up training times, as devices with intuitive interfaces make it easier for new employees to hit the ground running. As the workload increases, equipping the workforce with the best tools for efficiency and accuracy is critical to maintaining smooth operations.

In addition to these strategies, it’s important to select scalable logistics solutions that can adapt to changing operational needs. Whether expanding or streamlining processes, choosing the right barcode labels, printers, and technology is crucial for effective warehouse management during peak season. For businesses requiring short-term storage or seasonal capacity, Peacock Bros. offers flexible rental options for equipment which offers a cost-effective way to manage resources without the need for long-term commitments. Depending on specific requirements, investing in appropriate equipment or opting for rentals can enhance productivity and ensure seamless operations during high-demand periods.

A Sustainable Option for Peak Season Technology Solutions

Once the peak retail season passes, normal business patterns tend to resume at lower levels. This results in smaller order volumes and lower levels of warehouse throughput, along with a reduction in the number of workers in the warehouse. In this setting, retailers and their supply chain partners may find themselves with surplus equipment they no longer need for daily operations.

This is where flexible equipment solutions, such as rentals and loans, can be invaluable. For example, Peacock Bros.’ equipment hire options includes mobile computers, scanners, and printers that allow businesses to scale their technology needs up or down based on demand. These solutions minimise capital expenditure (CapEx) and ensure that businesses can return redundant devices after the holiday rush, avoiding the cost of maintaining equipment they no longer need.

The logistics behind scaling up a warehouse quickly during peak season often depend on having the right tools available. Rented devices offer a practical solution for managing this surge. Not only do they minimise costs, but they also allow retailers to maintain flexibility when the peak period ends. By scaling down their device fleet after the holiday season, companies can avoid unnecessary maintenance costs and ensure they aren't paying for unused equipment during quieter months.

Preparing for Peak Season Success

The challenges of managing a warehouse workforce during peak season can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and the strategic use of flexible technology solutions, retailers can meet the demand head-on. By forecasting accurately, optimising both workforce and equipment, and making use of rental options for devices, businesses can manage the surge in demand without overspending or compromising on efficiency. The result is a well-prepared, adaptable warehouse and back of store operation that is ready to thrive during the busiest time of the year.

For more information, please visit: https://www.peacocks.com.au/