Why logistics is a perfect industry for millennials?
At least one area employer would like to present the logistics industry for millennials' consideration.
“The demographics have been changing in the workforce, from the statistics I've seen,” said Jim Handoush, CEO of Network FOB, a third-party logistics firm. “By 2030, the majority of the workforce will be 18 to 30 years old. It's an entrepreneurial business, and millennials want to be entrepreneurs.”
Somewhat abstractly, the way logistics companies operate can be appealing to younger generations, Handoush said.
Logistics provides not only day-to-day variety but also variety throughout the day. Because there's the characterization that the younger generation needs instant gratification, logistics can be ideal.
“While working in the operations environment, you're moving a shipment from A to B,” he said. “A lot of things go on during that day, and success is evident to you.”
Because of the rise in millennials, he's catering his business to a new workforce.
For example, Handoush said, he's found that millennials are looking for instant feedback from supervisors, rather than wanting to wait for a formal review process. Because of that, he's changed from an annual review to giving employees feedback after each project.
Millennials also prefer to work in teams, he said, so his company is set up with small groups supporting each other, which then support the client. Generation Y is also highly influenced by technology and even video games. Because of that, Handoush said he and other employers are trying to “gamify” the work process, adding competition to the mix. And millennials value communication, so there is constant engagement and communication taking place in his office.
Locally, there are factors like collegiate logistics programs, such as the acclaimed one at the University of North Florida, where students can study the industry thoroughly.
“When I was growing up, I didn't know what logistics meant,” he said. “It wasn't an important function of many companies, as it is today. Now, it's highly elevated.”
Handoush isn't the only one who is seeing the connection between youth and logistics.
A blog by TMC, a division of Ch.H. Robinson, reported that there are obvious reasons why millennials would gravitate toward logistics, including because of how the industry has embraced technology and because that generation prefers to feel a sense of purpose, something that is easy to create while being an integral part of a supply chain.
For Ashley Jones, a millennial and new employee at Network FOB, entering the logistics field — she previously worked as a hair stylist before looking for something more stable — was appealing.
“I chose logistics because of the wide variety of things I could do in the industry,” she said. “There's a ton of other opportunities for me.... The possibilities are endless.”
Ultimately, Handoush said catering his workplace atmosphere is a necessity: Millennials are entering the workforce, and all industries — including logistics — should capitalize on that.
“If you want to be in business for the long term,” he said, “you have to understand where your workforce comes from, and make adjustments.”
