If you were recently hired at a warehouse, congratulations! Many people find warehousing an enjoyable and well-paid career. Warehousing jobs offer great advancement opportunities to people without a college degree, so warehouses are an excellent place to begin building your future.
You might have questions about your first day if you have never worked in a warehouse. Although it may be different depending on the employer, there are several things that each warehouse will do with new employees.
Onboarding
You might be eager to learn your new job duties, but you will most likely spend your first day completing paperwork. First, you may need to fill out a W2 form and usually provide an emergency contact in case of an accident. Depending on the employer, there could also be other forms to complete.
You will also learn the company policies regarding calling in sick, requesting time off, lunch breaks, bathroom breaks, and similar issues. Your employer may even talk about workplace harassment and ask you to sign a document indicating you understand their policies. In some cases, onboarding involves a tour of the facility and a brief explanation of warehouse duties.
Safety First
Safety issues are likely to take up a lot of your first day. A trainer or supervisor might go over essential safety equipment, how to lift and move, and workplace rules. Although you may have an opportunity to practice certain techniques, most safety briefings are in lecture format.
You probably did not take a job in a warehouse because you like to sit, but understanding and retaining workplace safety information is critical to your job success. If you are a person who frequently suffers workplace injuries or causes injuries to others, you are an expensive employee. At some point, an employer might decide you are a liability to the organization rather than an asset.
On the other hand, employees with excellent safety records who can spot and fix hazards bring added value to a company. You can start off on the right foot at your new job by being attentive to all the safety information the employer presents.
Comfort Might Be Elusive
If your employer requires you to wear a uniform, you might receive it on your first day. If not, take note of your comfort throughout the day. Warehouses are sometimes temperature-controlled and sometimes not. Likewise, one section of the facility might have heat and air conditioning while other areas do not. Find out where you will be working so you can dress appropriately.
Many warehouse jobs require you to be on your feet most of the day, and some might require extensive walking. Make sure you have comfortable footwear appropriate for the conditions where you will be working.
Shadowing
Shadowing, or following someone with the job you were hired to do, is often part of a warehouse worker’s first day. You may follow the worker as they go about their job and learn about their duties. Sometimes, but not always, you will have the opportunity to complete a task after the person you are shadowing has demonstrated how to do it
A smart new hire will pay close attention when shadowing and ask as many questions as possible. Speed is a critical component of most warehouse jobs, and you might not have the time to ask questions in the future. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as possible from the person training you.
Consider Flex Work in the Future
Most warehouse jobs do not take long to learn. Once you have some experience, you could consider doing flex work to supplement your income and gain more skills. Warehouses often hire people for temporary, part-time, or per-shift gigs to cover staffing shortages during peak periods.
HapiGig is a platform that matches screened warehouse workers with employers seeking temporary help. Once you are signed up, you can access opportunities from your smartphone. Call or text today for an application to join HapiGig.