U.S. warehouses are experiencing a downturn in hiring as companies pivot from expansion to prioritizing the enhancement of efficiency in their supply chain networks. Preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that in December, the number of employees in warehousing and storage dropped to 1.85 million workers. This represents the lowest employment count in the sector since November 2021. Further layoffs are anticipated in the sector in 2024. Several retail brands, e-commerce entities, and third-party logistics providers have already announced facility closures and job reductions this year, affecting more than 2,800 employees connected to warehouse and distribution operations. Businesses are reassessing their strategies, opting for a closer examination of operations to identify areas where efficiency can be enhanced while reducing expenses. This shift in approach has resulted in job cuts and adjustments to network footprints. Courtesy: Supply Chain Dive |