{"id":15063,"date":"2020-07-14T15:06:34","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T15:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peoplevoxprod.wpengine.com\/blog\/shiprush-news\/managing-warehouse-employees\/"},"modified":"2026-06-18T06:58:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T06:58:53","slug":"managing-warehouse-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peoplevox.com\/en-au\/blog\/managing-warehouse-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Run a Warehouse Effectively: Managing Employees"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 background_size=\u201dinitial\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_repeat=\u201drepeat\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d custom_padding__hover=\u201d|||\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_heading title=\u201dKey takeaways\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 title_level=\u201dh2\u2033][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Effective warehouse management starts with clear, consistent communication that keeps employees informed, engaged and aligned with business priorities.<\/li>\n<li>Building a strong workplace culture encourages collaboration, helping teams respond more effectively during periods of high demand and operational pressure.<\/li>\n<li>Leaders who prioritise employee wellbeing and transparency can strengthen morale, productivity and resilience across the warehouse operation.<\/li>\n<li>Creating a shared sense of purpose helps employees feel connected to the brand, driving greater commitment to both team success and customer satisfaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to the founders and operational leaders of ecommerce businesses is an eye-opening experience. From a \u2018technology vendor-side\u2019 perspective, it can often be hard to see beyond \u2018users\u2019, \u2018dispatch numbers\u2019 and \u2018items picked\u2019 as the only means to characterise the businesses with whom we work.<span id=\"more-15063\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>However, through the 10x Club, and by inducting these figures into our Hall of Fame, our lens has become far more wide-angle, allowing us to see into the real day to day of some of these fast growth brands. The personalities, working methodologies and leadership styles that shape these operations come to the fore, and become a vehicle for valuable experiences that the upcoming generation can learn from, especially for things like how to manage a warehouse.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u201dTable of contents\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d title_level=\u201dh3\u2033 hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#CEOandFounder\">Speaking to a CEO and Founder<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Regularcommunication\">Regular communication<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#workingculture\">Driving a great working culture<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Missions\">Missions that drive the brand<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u201dSpeaking to a CEO and Founder\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d title_level=\u201dh2\u2033 hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 module_id=\u201dCEOandFounder\u201d][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p>These learnings are particularly apparent in a session we held with Etienne Espenner, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of PURELEI. PURELEI is a shining star in the European Shopify skyline, selling Hawaiian inspired jewellery to a highly engaged community of loyal followers through their store and on Instagram.<\/p>\n<p>In 2018, Espenner started with a team of five to ten people, mainly friends and family. Fast forward two years, he has over 100 staff working full time. Here\u2019s his take on leading them through pressurised situations and uncertain times.<\/p>\n<p>Shorthand: how to manage a warehouse? It\u2019s all about communication and focus.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\u201dhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1uETcf2tVww\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a really interesting time\u2026 there was a lot of uncertainty going around with the pandemic and corona. But it was at that time I realised our team is so strong. My most important task was to let people know that everything was going to be okay, and that from this situation, we will get stronger out of it. I knew my team could do more a lot more than they ever had before the corona situation. When we realised things were changing, our number one rock, or top priority, was \u2018make employees happy, make customers happy\u2019. We had a corona task force that met every day and researched for reliable resources of information,\u201d explained Espenner.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u201dRegular communication\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d title_level=\u201dh2\u2033 hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 module_id=\u201dRegularcommunication\u201d][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe then had a 60 second daily video from myself to the entire team, explaining what\u2019s going on, what we are working on, and how revenue and growth were tracking. The goal was to let everyone know we are okay, we\u2019ll get through this, and we are taking care of you. I shared all of the metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) around orders and revenue, that prove that we are okay, to everyone at PURELEI. Then, digitally, we had a monthly all-hands meeting, taking 45 minutes with everyone from every department to communicate what is happening for them, along with an open question round to make sure no-one felt left out or didn\u2019t know what was going on,\u201d said <span>Espenner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Setting his entire leadership team\u2019s main focus as \u2018spread positivity\u2019 and creating this totally transparent culture enabled Espenner to foster in each of his staff a drive to keep the business thriving under pressure, and a commitment each other as a team.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u201dDriving a great working culture\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d title_level=\u201dh2\u2033 hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 module_id=\u201dworkingculture\u201d][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe cultural part is something that is super important for us. One of our company core values; if we have a high order peak, at PURELEI we move fast. We find fast solutions and do what is in the interest of our customer. Another is \u2018we live Aloha\u2019. That means if someone needs help, they get it,\u201d explains <span>Espenner. \u201c<\/span>Again, we had a super high order volume at our latest sale, so people from across the business, be it our country managers, events team, customer service, all came to the distribution centre to help pick and pack orders.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Knowing a brand with a growth trajectory as steep as PURELEI\u2019s still base their operation around their core values is a positive sign for mission-driven businesses. A happy workplace and a team mindset aligned around a few simple statements seems to be the key to efficiency, productivity and harmony in the warehouse. And in order to make that happen, you need to adopt regular, transparent methods of communication to the entire team, regardless of whether they are onsite, in the office or remote.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u201dMissions that drive the brand\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d title_level=\u201dh2\u2033 hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 module_id=\u201dMissions\u201d][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p>In seeing the \u2018mission driven\u2019 approach a number of the most high profile direct to consumer brands are taking, it actually makes a lot of sense that what is used to build and foster an engaged community of followers also works to align the team behind the brand, increasing motivation to get stuff done.<\/p>\n<p>For fashion brands, this might mean that the staff are always kitted out with the latest ranges and drops of clothing, so that not only do they feel valued by the company they work for, but moreover become real fans of what they are trying to build for others. In the fitness space, Gymshark\u2019s new HQ, fit with quite possibly the coolest, most fitted-out, impressive \u2018office gym\u2019 (if you can even call it that), is absolutely testament to this same theory. Brand building starts with your own team, having them live and breathe the businesses\u2019 ethos, feeling valued and enabled to deliver that same feeling to the customer-base.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/www.peoplevox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Gymsharks-Lifting-Club-scaled.jpg\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d alt=\u201dPicture of Gymshark\u2019s Lifting Club at their headquarters.\u201d title_text=\u201dGymshark\u2019s Lifting Club\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Gymshark\u2019s Lifting Club, in HQ.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Overall, the statement that a brand \u2018is no longer what you tell your customers\u2019, but instead \u2018what your customers tell each other about you\u2019, comes to mind. This starts with your own team, warehouse employees, marketeers and beyond, having a great feeling about the brand they are building and representing. Because when the pressure comes on, the order volumes sky rocket, and that reputation is on the line, that strength of \u2018fan mindset\u2019 and belief in the company will stand up to the challenge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your warehouse team is central to customer satisfaction and growth. Book a Descartes Peoplevox demo to see how better visibility, smarter workflows and scalable systems can help your people perform at their best.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=\u201dTalk to us\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d button_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/www.peoplevox.com\/request-demo\/\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201dFAQs Section\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_divider _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=\u201dHow to run an effective warehouse FAQs\u201d admin_label=\u201dHeading \u2013 FAQs\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d title_level=\u201dh2\u2033 hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 module_id=\u201dFAQs\u201d][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=\u201d#134169\u2033 admin_label=\u201dFAQ Accordion\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d toggle_text_color=\u201d#0055AA\u201d toggle_level=\u201dh3\u2033 hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][et_pb_accordion_item title=\u201dHow can warehouse managers identify early signs of employee burnout?\u201d open=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"473\">Common warning signs include increased absenteeism, lower productivity, more picking and packing errors, and reduced engagement during team interactions. Regular one-to-one conversations and employee feedback surveys can help managers address issues before they affect performance or retention.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\u201dWhat role does training play in warehouse efficiency?\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d open=\u201doff\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"534\" data-end=\"792\">Effective training helps employees work safely, accurately and confidently. Ongoing development programmes also make it easier for staff to adapt to new processes, equipment and technologies, helping warehouses maintain productivity during periods of change.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\u201dHow can warehouse managers improve employee retention?\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d open=\u201doff\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"1130\">Retention often improves when employees have clear career progression opportunities, receive recognition for their contributions, and feel their work has a meaningful impact on the business. Competitive pay and flexible working arrangements can also support long-term loyalty.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\u201dWhy is cross-training valuable in a warehouse environment?\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 open=\u201doff\u201d]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1440\">Cross-training enables employees to perform multiple roles across the warehouse. This creates greater operational flexibility, reduces disruption caused by absences, and helps businesses respond more effectively to seasonal demand fluctuations.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\u201dHow should warehouse leaders measure employee performance fairly?\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 open=\u201doff\u201d]<\/p>\n<div class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\">\n<div class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:dd44181e-ef0e-45cf-aa4c-a3c200fe25b9-0\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\">\n<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:dd44181e-ef0e-45cf-aa4c-a3c200fe25b9-0\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:dd44181e-ef0e-45cf-aa4c-a3c200fe25b9-0\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-2\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div data-conversation-screenshot-content=\"\" class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"25e11178-d7af-43c7-a29b-0f6edfd221f4\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1779\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Performance should be assessed using a balanced combination of productivity, accuracy, safety compliance and teamwork. Looking beyond simple output metrics helps create a fairer evaluation process and encourages behaviours that support long-term operational success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<script type=\"application\/ld+json\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  \"mainEntity\": [<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      \"@type\": \"Question\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      \"name\": \"How can warehouse managers identify early signs of employee burnout?\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        \"text\": \"Common warning signs include increased absenteeism, lower productivity, more picking and packing errors, and reduced engagement during team interactions. 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This creates greater operational flexibility, reduces disruption caused by absences, and helps businesses respond more effectively to seasonal demand fluctuations.\"<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    },<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      \"@type\": \"Question\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      \"name\": \"How should warehouse leaders measure employee performance fairly?\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        \"text\": \"Performance should be assessed using a balanced combination of productivity, accuracy, safety compliance and teamwork. Looking beyond simple output metrics helps create a fairer evaluation process and encourages behaviours that support long-term operational success.\"<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  ]<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/script>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our guide on how to run a warehouse effectively draws on years of direct experience and advice from founders and operational leaders we know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":243303,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Speaking to the founders and operational leaders of ecommerce businesses is an eye-opening experience. From a \u2018technology vendor-side\u2019 perspective, it can often be hard to see beyond \u2018users\u2019, \u2018dispatch numbers\u2019 and \u2018items picked\u2019 as the only means to characterise the businesses with whom we work.\n\n<!--more-->\n\nHowever, through the 10x Club, and by inducting these figures into our Hall of Fame, our lens has become far more wide-angle, allowing us to see into the real day to day of some of these fast growth brands. The personalities, working methodologies and leadership styles that shape these operations come to the fore, and become a vehicle for valuable experiences that the upcoming generation can learn from, especially for things like how to manage a warehouse.\n<h3><strong>Speaking to a CEO and Founder<\/strong><\/h3>\nThese learnings are particularly apparent in a session we held with Etienne Espenner, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of PURELEI. PURELEI is a shining star in the European Shopify skyline, selling Hawaiian inspired jewellery to a highly engaged community of loyal followers through their store and on Instagram.\n\nIn 2018, Etienne started with a team of 5-10 people, mainly friends and family. Fast forward 2 years, he has over 100 staff working full time. Here\u2019s his take on leading them through pressurised situations and uncertain times.\n\nShorthand: how to manage a warehouse? It\u2019s ALL about communication and focus.\n\n&nbsp;\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1uETcf2tVww\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-service=\"youtube\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n&nbsp;\n\n\u201cIt was a really interesting time\u2026 there was a lot of uncertainty going around with the pandemic and corona. But it was at that time I realised our team is so strong. My most important task was to let people know that everything was going to be ok, and that from this situation, we will get stronger out of it. I knew my team could do more a lot more than they ever had before the corona situation. When we realised things were changing, our number one rock, or top priority, was \u2018make employees happy, make customers happy\u2019. We had a corona task force that met every day and researched for reliable resources of information.\n\n&nbsp;\n<h4>Regular communication:<\/h4>\nWe then had a 60 second daily video from myself to the entire team, explaining what\u2019s going on, what we are working on, and how revenue and growth were tracking. The goal was to let everyone know we are OK, we\u2019ll get through this, and we are taking care of you. I shared all of the metrics and KPIs around orders and revenue, that prove that we are OK, to EVERYONE at PURELEI. Then, digitally, we had a monthly all-hands meeting, taking 45 minutes with everyone from every department to communicate what is happening for them, along with an open question round to make sure no-one felt left out or didn\u2019t know what was going on.\u201d\n\nSetting his entire leadership team\u2019s main focus as \u2018spread positivity\u2019 and creating this totally transparent culture enabled Etienne to foster in each of his staff a drive to keep the business thriving under pressure, and a commitment each other as a team.\n<h4>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<h4>Driving a great working culture:<\/h4>\n\u201cThe cultural part is something that is super important for us. One of our company core values \u2013 if we have a high order peak, at PURELEI we move fast. We find fast solutions and do what is in the interest of our customer. Another is \u2018we live Aloha\u2019. That means if someone needs help, they get it. Again, we had a super high order volume at our latest sale, so people from across the business, be it our country managers, events team, customer service, all came to the distribution centre to help pick and pack orders.\u201d\n\nKnowing a brand with a growth trajectory as steep as PURELEI\u2019s still base their operation around their core values is a positive sign for mission-driven businesses. A happy workplace and a team mindset aligned around a few simple statements seems to be the key to efficiency, productivity and harmony in the warehouse. And in order to make that happen, you need to adopt regular, transparent methods of communication to the entire team, regardless of whether they are onsite, in the office or remote.\n\n&nbsp;\n<h4>Missions that drive the brand:<\/h4>\nAnd in seeing the \u2018mission driven\u2019 approach a number of the most high profile direct to consumer brands are taking, it actually makes a lot of sense that what is used to build and foster an engaged community of followers also works to align the team behind the brand, increasing motivation to get stuff done.\n\nFor fashion brands, this might mean that the staff are always kitted out with the latest ranges and drops of clothing, so that not only do they feel valued by the company they work for, but moreover become real fans of what they are trying to build for others. In the fitness space, Gymshark\u2019s new HQ, fit with quite possibly the sickest, most fitted-out, impressive \u2018office gym\u2019 if you can even call it that, is absolutely testament to this same theory. Brand building starts with your own team, having them live and breathe the businesses\u2019 ethos, feeling valued and enabled to deliver that same feeling to the customer-base.\n\n<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com\/oktra\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/04105736\/DSC_7033_19.08.01_GYMSHARK_GSLC_HI-RES_19.08.01_GYMSHARK_GSLC_JPG_2640x1980_acf_cropped.jpg\" alt=\"Gymshark gym hq\">\n<blockquote>Gymshark's Lifting Club, in HQ.<\/blockquote>\nOverall, the statement that a brand \u2018is no longer what you tell your customers\u2019, but instead \u2018what your customers tell each other about you\u2019, comes to mind. This starts with your own team, warehouse employees, marketeers and beyond, having a great feeling about the brand they are building and representing. Because when the pressure comes on, the order volumes sky rocket, and that reputation is on the line, that strength of \u2018fan mindset\u2019 and belief in the company will stand up to the challenge.\n\n&nbsp;","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[37,51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-case-study"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Run a Warehouse Effectively: Managing Employees | Peoplevox<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our guide on how to run a warehouse effectively draws on years of direct experience and advice from founders and operational leaders we know.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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