We had a discussion in this threads:
http://discourse.stonehearth.net/t/work-group-and-mule-for-resource-gathering-at-a-far-away-point/19521/2
http://discourse.stonehearth.net/t/hearthlings-need-snacks/19836/9
the main topic was about carrying items into battle, but it could be used for looting, without influencing all hearthlings at the same time.
another way i play:
disable hauling on footmen --> fight enemy–> when they’re done, trigger hauling on and the soldiers should grab the stuff near 'em and 90% of the items can be looted