In 2023, the client faced a serious challenge related to the staff shortage of temporary workers from Ukraine, of which it had over 1,500 people. The client made a strategic decision to find an alternative to Russian-speaking workers and diversify its business strategy. Due to the constantly dynamically growing orders and intensive development, the company had to urgently employ warehouse workers in its logistics centers in Poland from new directions of the world. The lack of qualified staff on the local labor market and the uncertain geopolitical situation made it difficult to fulfill orders and faced the company with operational delays. Ultimately, over the next year, the client planned to acquire 50% temporary workers from Latin American countries.
Key challenges
- Staff shortages in Poland: The growing demand for warehouse workers could not be met locally, and the low availability of candidates on the Polish labour market led to a crisis situation.
- Qualifications and training: Candidates had to have skills in operating lifting trucks, which further limited the pool of available candidates.
- Logistical complexity: The company had to find not only qualified employees, but also organize their legal employment in Poland, as well as the adaptation process and training in the field of health and safety and operation of warehouse equipment.
Solution
The client decided to work with the employment agency Folga, which specializes in international recruitment and has experience in bringing in workers from different regions of the world. The agency proposed a solution consisting in acquiring qualified warehouse workers from Latin America, especially from Guatemala and Colombia, where there was a great interest in working in Europe and access to people with the appropriate qualifications.
Key elements of the solution
- Recruitment in Latin America: Folga built its own structures in target countries and organized a large-scale recruitment campaign in Guatemala and Colombia. Using local recruitment offices and social media, the agency reached potential candidates who were ready to work abroad.
- Selection process: Folga conducted a multi-stage candidate selection process, which included verification of professional experience, physical fitness tests, and interviews conducted remotely by specialists from Poland.
- Lift truck operator training: To meet the Client’s requirements, Folga organized training for selected candidates in Latin America, covering lift truck operator, safety rules and warehouse ergonomics. These trainings were conducted in accordance with Polish health and safety standards, to prepare employees for work in Poland at their own employee housing estate near Kutno.
- Support in legalization of stay and work: Folga took care of the full formal handling of the process of seconding employees to Poland. This included obtaining appropriate work permits and ensuring compliance with Polish regulations on the employment of foreigners.
- Accommodation and adaptation support: Folga organised accommodation for employees near the Client’s logistics warehouses and provided adaptation support, including translation assistance and support in everyday matters related to life in a new country.
Effects
- Quick acquisition of 200 qualified employees: Within 3 months, the Folga agency completed the recruitment, selection and employment process of 200 warehouse workers from Guatemala and Colombia who were ready to work in Poland.
- High operational efficiency: Employees trained in the use of pallet trucks were quickly integrated into the team at the Client's plants. Thanks to prior training and preparation, they were able to start working immediately, which contributed to improving the efficiency of warehouse work.
- Reduced warehouse downtime: Newly hired employees significantly supported the operation of logistics centers, eliminating downtime and problems related to staff shortages. The company was able to fulfill customer orders on time, which contributed to improving relationships with key contractors.
- Reduction in Recruitment Costs: Hiring Latin American workers through a full-service agency proved to be more cost-effective than trying to recruit locally. The company saved time and resources while retaining a skilled workforce for a longer period of time.
- Increased employee motivation and loyalty: Employees from Guatemala and Colombia, thanks to the support of the agency in the adaptation process, were highly motivated and loyal to the employer. Working conditions, as well as the organization of accommodation and help with integration, influenced their high job satisfaction in Poland.
Conclusions
Cooperation with the employment agency Folga allowed for the effective acquisition of qualified warehouse workers from Latin America, which contributed to the stabilization of logistics processes and increased operational efficiency of the plants. Thanks to the appropriate preparation of employees before their arrival in Poland, the company avoided delays in the execution of orders, and a well-organized adaptation process ensured high loyalty of newly hired employees.
