Business

Warehouse Jobs Booming Due to Online Sales

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2021

Amidst a surge in e-commerce sales, warehouse operators, such as FedEx and Amazon, are scrambling to hire workers across the United States. As the labor market has yet to fully recover from the effects of the pandemic, this could prove to be a saving grace for many who have struggled to find work in recent months. Overall employment is still down in the U.S; almost 11 million are still seeking employment since the beginning of quarantine. However, employment in the warehousing and storage sector is actually higher than pre-Coronavirus levels. As the holiday season approaches, these numbers will only continue to go up; a positive signal of the rebounding U.S economy.

Job Availability

Brick-and-mortar retailers have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, having to furlough or release hundreds of thousands of workers since early March. And with the economic downturn, there were not too many job positions opening up. Now, warehouse businesses that order, pack, and ship products are in a hiring frenzy as online sales are projected to reach $196 billion in the period from November to January. Online and physical stores alike experience increased activity during the holiday season, but with consumers avoiding brick-and-mortar locations because of the virus, more and more shoppers are relying on Amazon, FedEx, and UPS to deliver their products.

Typically, there is a temporary hiring phase for these businesses during the holidays to keep up with demand. However, many experts believe the massive shift towards online purchasing will be somewhat permanent. Already, many of the major players in the shipping and storage industry are planning for an avalanche of orders this holiday season, so more and more temporary hires are converting to full-time positions. UPS has added over 100,000-holiday workers on top of the tens of thousands it hired earlier in the year. Amazon plans on hiring more than 100,000 seasonal workers in addition to 1,000 new warehouses across the country. Also FedEx is seeking 75,000 temporary employees, a 27% increase from its 2019 seasonal hiring.

Proactive Hiring

To prepare for the expected holiday boom, e-commerce businesses have begun an early hiring process. Up through August alone, there were almost six times as many job postings for seasonal positions on the job platform Wonolo. Coincidently, wages have also jumped nearly 16% to $14.18 an hour. Trucking companies are also expected to look for early hires before the holiday season. Many truck drivers have left their jobs due to the virus and retirement, and the transportation industry has struggled to fill the demand for drivers. The average starting wage for drivers at UPS is expected to go up to $30 an hour, but as the market becomes more competitive, that wage may increase even more.

The pandemic still has a grip on brick-and-mortar stores. What used to be quick and easy trips to the store are now complicated and stressful as masks are required and consumers are wary of contracting the virus. With the excess demand shifted to e-commerce, storage and shipping companies need all the extra help they can get to fulfill orders before the holidays are over. Although overall employment is still way below pre-virus levels, many Americans are finally finding employment again.

Business

Outsourcing Front-End Development Services: Insider’s Guide

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2023

Matthew Wiles

Outsourcing front-end development services has become increasingly popular in recent years as companies look to access specialized skills and expertise, and save on labor costs. According to the Global Outsourcing Survey made by Deloitte, the top reasons for outsourcing front-end development are to access specialized skills (57%), cost savings (50%), and to free up internal resources (49%).

This article will cover some frequently asked questions (FAQs) in a Q&A way to help you make an informed decision when considering outsourcing front-end development services. We’ll address concerns such as how to find the right vendor, how to communicate effectively, and how to manage the project to ensure success. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the considerations and best practices for outsourcing front-end development services.

What is front-end development?

Front-end development, or client-side development, refers to designing and implementing a website’s or application’s user interface (UI). It involves creating the layout, visual design, and interactive features that users interact with when they visit a website or use an app.

Front-end developers use a variety of programming languages and technologies to build the UI, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also need to have a strong understanding of user experience (UX) design principles and be able to create visually appealing and intuitive interfaces that meet the needs of the target audience.

Front-end development plays a crucial role in the user experience of a website or application, and it’s an essential part of any digital product. The work of a front-end developer often intersects with that of a UX designer and a back-end developer.

Why should I consider outsourcing front-end development services?

As mentioned in the intro, there are several reasons why outsourcing front-end development services may be an excellent option for your company. One of the main reasons is cost savings. Outsourcing is often more cost-effective than hiring in-house developers, especially if you only need front-end development services for a specific project.

Also, a company can benefit from a vendor’s specialized skills and experience and the ability to scale its development resources as needed. This can be especially useful for companies with fluctuating project demands or in need to quickly ramp up or down their development efforts.

In addition, outsourcing front-end development can allow a company to focus on its core competencies and improve the overall quality of the product, as well as save time by delegating the development work to a vendor.

How do I find the right front-end development company to work with?

Finding the right front-end development company to work with is crucial for a successful project. Start by defining your project goals, timelines, and budget, and research potential vendors with experience in the technologies and frameworks relevant to your project.

Review the company’s portfolio and case studies to get a sense of their past work and the types of projects they have experience with. Glassdoor, Trustpilot, LinkedIn, GoodFirms or Clutch are some platforms to do this. Consider the company’s culture and values. You can also request references and speak with past clients to get an idea of the company’s track record and how well they handle challenges like yours.

What should I consider when choosing a front-end development company?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a front-end development company. Technical skills and experience are crucial, as the company will be responsible for building and implementing the UI of your website or application. Check if the company has experience with the technologies and frameworks you need for your project.

Effective communication and collaboration are also essential. Verify that the vendor has a track record of working well with clients and can effectively communicate and collaborate with your team. Cultural fit is also important, as you will be working closely with the vendor for the duration of the project. It’s a good idea to have a face-to-face or video call meeting to get a sense of the company’s culture and see if it aligns with your own.

Finally, consider the company’s pricing and business model. Make sure the company is transparent about its rates and fees and that they align with your budget. Also, consider whether the company offers flexible pricing options or packages that may be more suitable for your needs.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s a good idea to request proposals from a few different vendors. This will allow you to compare and contrast their approaches and determine the best fit for your project.

Bringing it all together

In summary, outsourcing front-end development services can be an easy, cost-effective, and efficient way to access specialized skills and expertise. By carefully considering factors such as technical skills, communication and collaboration abilities, cultural fit, pricing, and business model, you can find the right vendor to meet your needs and achieve success with your project.