What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Handler, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Material Handler, you need basic math skills, physical stamina, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, forklifts, pallet jacks, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure efficient inventory movement, workplace safety, and smooth operations in fast-paced environments.
What are some common challenges faced in a Material Handling role, and how can I prepare for them?
Material Handling professionals often face challenges such as managing heavy loads efficiently, working in fast-paced environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To prepare, it's important to develop physical stamina, learn proper lifting techniques, and become familiar with the operation of equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks. Additionally, practicing good communication skills is essential, as you'll frequently coordinate with warehouse staff and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and prevent errors or accidents.
What is material handling?
Material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. It involves a variety of equipment and systems, such as conveyors, forklifts, storage racks, and automated systems, to ensure materials are efficiently transported and stored. Effective material handling is crucial for improving workflow, reducing costs, and maintaining workplace safety.
What is the difference between Material Handling vs Warehouse Associate?
| Aspect | Material Handling | Warehouse Associate |
|---|
| Primary Role | Moving, storing, and managing materials and products within a facility | Receiving, stocking, and preparing items for shipment or storage |
| Required Certifications | Forklift certification often required | Basic OSHA training, sometimes forklift certification |
| Work Environment | Factories, warehouses, distribution centers | Warehouses, distribution centers, retail storage areas |
| Common Tasks | Operating forklifts, loading/unloading, inventory management | Picking, packing, stocking, inventory checks |
Material Handling and Warehouse Associate roles often overlap in warehouse environments, but Material Handling focuses more on moving and managing materials, often involving equipment operation, while Warehouse Associates handle stocking, packing, and order fulfillment. Both roles require safety training and are essential in supply chain operations.
What is it like to work at Flowserve?
Flowserve is a global engineering company that values innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
The company operates with a decentralized structure, allowing its employees to work closely with customers and partners to design and manufacture complex industrial equipment and systems. Flowserve's global presence and diverse product portfolio offer opportunities for employees to work on a wide range of projects and technologies.
Working at Flowserve may appeal to candidates who are interested in contributing to the development of critical infrastructure and industrial processes, as well as those who value a dynamic and challenging work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Do workers at Flowserve get paid breaks?
Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
87% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Does Flowserve pay people when they’re sick?
Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
94% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
At Flowserve, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?
Sick days and vacation days are separate paid time off.
71% of people say they don’t have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 28 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Is the health insurance from Flowserve affordable enough for their workers?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
94% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Do people get paid time off at Flowserve?
Most people get paid time off work.
100% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Do workers at Flowserve worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
94% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Do Flowserve workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
37% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
How easy is it for Flowserve workers to change shifts?
Most people find it easy to change shifts.
67% of people report that it’s easy to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
How easy is it to get time off at Flowserve?
Most people find it easy to get time off.
93% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Do Flowserve managers change schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
94% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Do workers at Flowserve do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
94% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
How easy is it to take sick days at Flowserve?
Most people find it easy to take sick days.
97% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Is working at Flowserve good if you’re a parent or caregiver?
Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
78% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 23 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Do people at Flowserve feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
90% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Do people at Flowserve get to take their breaks without interruption?
Most people get breaks without interruption.
74% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Is it stressful to work at Flowserve?
Some people feel stressed out here.
56% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at Flowserve enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
71% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at Flowserve recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
41% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Do people get enough training when they start at Flowserve?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
40% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do people get support to advance at Flowserve?
Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 70% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people think Flowserve’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
83% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do workers feel well informed about how Flowserve is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
50% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
What are the most popular jobs at Flowserve? What are the most popular categories at Flowserve? 