559: Tackling Labor Challenges in Warehousing with Spotwork
The labor challenges in warehousing persist, with shortages and inefficiencies making it difficult for companies to find and retain reliable workers. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin welcomes Asher Lichtman, Head of Business Development at Spotwork, to discuss how the company is redefining temporary staffing in the warehousing and light industrial sectors. Spotwork, a Canada-based company expanding into the U.S., offers a tech-driven, on-demand staffing solution designed to provide complete visibility, accountability, and flexibility for employers and workers alike.
Reimagining the Temp Agency Model
Spotwork differentiates itself from traditional temp agencies by offering an “Uberized” work model that enhances workforce transparency. “ The shortages and challenges in the labor market don’t seem to go away,” explains Lichtman. “There’s a lot of visibility and accountability that’s been created through the technology-enabled solution we offer.” Unlike conventional staffing agencies that may send over unvetted workers, Spotwork ensures that each candidate meets specific job requirements before they ever step onto the warehouse floor.
One of the most pressing labor challenges in warehousing is the mismatch between job expectations and actual duties. Lichtman highlights a frequent issue: “Workers get called into a pick-and-pack job, only to be asked to sweep floors because something changed in the facility. That lack of communication creates friction.” Spotwork solves this by requiring employers to share clear job descriptions and ensuring workers understand potential changes before accepting a shift.
The Growing Demand for Flexible Work Schedules
Flexibility, a luxury previously out of reach for warehouse staffing, became a popular trend accelerated by the pandemic. “Workers want to have control of their schedule,” Lichtman emphasizes. Spotwork allows businesses to build a reliable worker pool, ensuring shifts are covered while allowing workers to choose assignments that fit their availability.
“We’ve created a worker pool so businesses have consistent labor and aren’t scrambling to find last-minute replacements,” Lichtman explains. Employers can also pre-vet workers, reducing the need for retraining and cutting overtime costs. This approach minimizes the disruptions of inconsistent staffing while improving worker satisfaction and retention.
Leveraging Technology for Smarter Staffing Decisions
Spotwork’s platform incorporates advanced vetting processes, including background checks, AI-driven profile verification, and learning management systems. “Resumes today can’t always be accurate,” Lichtman remarks. “We ensure that workers complete onboarding steps, answer competency-based quizzes, and go through a validation process before they are matched with jobs.”
Additionally, Spotwork’s geofencing capabilities prevent staffing mismatches. “You’re not getting workers from a different city who may not show up,” Lichtman says. “The platform only notifies workers within a 5-10 mile radius of the job site.” By integrating real-time tracking and compliance verification, Spotwork guarantees that employers know exactly who is coming to work and whether they have the necessary skills.
Key Takeaways
- Spotwork provides an “Uberized” staffing model that ensures real-time visibility, accountability, and worker readiness.
- Communication gaps in warehousing create friction—Spotwork minimizes this by requiring clear job descriptions and pre-shift notifications.
- Workers increasingly demand flexible schedules, and Spotwork helps businesses build a reliable labor pool to accommodate fluctuating needs.
- The platform leverages AI and geofencing to match qualified workers with nearby job opportunities, ensuring higher attendance rates and reducing last-minute staffing shortages.
Employers can use Spotwork for on-demand, project-based, or temp-to-hire staffing, adapting to their specific labor needs while reducing overtime expenses.
Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
For more information on Spotwork, click here.
To connect with Asher on LinkedIn, click here or book an appointment.
For more information about labor challenges in warehousing, check out the podcasts below.
522: Tackling Labor Challenges in the Warehouse with Geek+
490: Addressing Warehousing Labor Challenges with Inviscid Consulting
