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Insights from GLOW's Longitudinal Study to Understand Women's Journeys in Warehousing and Delivery Roles

The report includes findings from a two-year longitudinal study of 26 women, predominantly in entry-level warehousing and delivery partner roles, with insights into their motivations, job experiences and challenges

Published by

FSG

Year

2025

Format

Link

Context

Warehousing and last-mile delivery are among the fastest-growing sources of entry-level work in India, and among the newest to women. This GLOW study follows the same women over two years rather than surveying them once, so it records what actually changed after they took the job.

Key takeaways

Women often accessed warehousing roles primarily through friends or family, and delivery agent roles through a mix of social media and friends or family
Women often cited prospect of better earnings and handling lighter parcels as reasons for applying to the warehousing role, while they cited flexible timings as a key reason for applying to delivery agent role
Warehouse workers cited unfavourable leave policies and inadequate transportation support as major challenges, while delivery agents cited low earnings, difficult working conditions (e.g., riding in harsh weather), and safety risks as key problems faced
Over the course of the study, 24 out of 26 women continued to work, 6 women saw an average salary increase of 30% with 2 women getting promoted
Women left both warehousing and delivery jobs due to low earnings and physical strain. For warehouse workers, contract non-renewal and business closures were also key factors