As summer heats up, supply chain leaders are already bracing for the year’s holiday season. From warehousing and logistics to production and fulfillment, every link in the chain must operate at peak performance. But amid the rush to secure seasonal labor and optimize operations, one critical question often goes overlooked:

Do you have the right supervisors in place to lead your teams through the busiest time of the year?

The Hidden Weak Link in the Supply Chain

Research from Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll reveals a growing crisis in middle management that’s already straining supply chain performance. Supervisors, the essential bridge between frontline workers and upper management, are burning out, stepping down, or opting out of leadership roles altogether.

• 55% of supervisors have quit or plan to quit due to a lack of fulfillment or advancement.
• 33% cite mental health challenges as a reason for leaving.
• Younger workers are increasingly rejecting management roles, citing high stress and low reward.

In supply chain environments, where precision, speed, and coordination are non-negotiable, the absence of experienced supervisors can lead to costly disruptions, including missed deadlines, safety incidents, increased turnover, and reduced throughput.

Training Gaps Are Fueling the Fire

Many companies assume they’re preparing supervisors for success, but the data tells a different story. While 86% of hiring managers believe their supervisors have the tools they need, only a fraction offer training in the areas that matter most, such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and providing constructive feedback.

This disconnect is particularly hazardous in supply chain settings, where supervisors must manage diverse teams, resolve real-time issues, and maintain morale under intense pressure. Without proper training and support, even the most capable supervisors can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to burnout, disengagement, and operational breakdowns.

The Cost of Turnover in Supply Chain Roles

When a supervisor leaves, the impact ripples across the entire operation. Productivity drops. Safety risks increase. And the cost of replacing that leader, often 50% to 200% of their annual salary, can be staggering.

In fact, one in five hiring managers say turnover costs their company up to $100,000 per year. In logistics, manufacturing, and distribution, where margins are tight and timelines are critical, such disruptions can derail an entire season.

A Checklist for Supply Chain Leaders

To avoid being caught off guard during peak season, supply chain leaders must act now.

Based on insights from Express franchise owners nationwide, here’s what companies should prioritize to prevent supervisor burnout and turnover:

• Set Clear, Reasonable Expectations—Define realistic goals and workloads.
• Enforce Time Off—Encourage supervisors to take real breaks to avoid burnout.
• Use Contract Workers—Bring in temporary help to manage seasonal spikes.
• Train for Real-World Leadership—Focus on conflict resolution, communication, and team management.
• Build Peer and Mentorship Networks—Create support systems for supervisors.
• Recognize Effort, Not Just Outcomes—Celebrate leadership behaviors, not just KPIs.
• Give Supervisors More Autonomy—Empower decision-making on the floor.
• Invest in Mental Health Resources—Offer counseling and stress management tools.
• Cross-Train Teams—Share responsibilities to reduce pressure on any one role.
• Simplify Admin Work—Cut back on busywork that distracts from leadership.

Express Employment Professionals: Your Workforce Partner

Whether you're facing an immediate staffing crunch or planning to strengthen your long-term leadership pipeline, Express Employment Professionals offers flexible workforce solutions tailored to the unique demands of supply chain operations. These include contract staffing to quickly fill critical gaps during peak periods and direct hire services to connect you with experienced supervisors who are ready to lead with confidence and impact.

With a nationwide network and deep expertise in logistics, manufacturing, and distribution staffing, Express is your partner in building resilient teams today and into the future.