Dan Ladsten of KraftMaid later hired Chatters as a permanent employee and eventually promoted him. Ladsten said he prefers to work with temporary agencies so he can determine if an employee is suited for the job and the employee can learn whether he wants to stay with the company. Though most warehouse jobs are full time, overtime is common during the holiday season. With the worker shortage, some companies are piecing together part-time employees' schedules to fill demand. Though most companies offer day shifts, some companies offer evening and overnight shifts to help with online ordering.
Salaries can go higher for workers with computer or forklift training.
Benefits also have improved during the shortage, with medical, dental and child-care benefits often available to warehouse workers. Others offer bonuses for working during the peak season. And at Seattle Lighting's distribution center in South Seattle, workers get free parking and subsidized bus and ferry passes. Suzanne Monson is a Lake Forest Park free-lance writer. Become a Featured Employer.