Are you considering a warehouse role, but you’re not really sure exactly what that would entail? You probably already know that you’d be on your feet all day doing a variety of physical tasks, but just what does the average day look like? Every warehouse does things a little differently, and each role has unique responsibilities. In general, though, here’s what you can expect as a warehouse worker.
What Does a Day in the Life Look Like as a Warehouse Worker?
Safety Meeting and Shift Report
You can expect to start each day with a meeting. Your team leader will go over any must-know information from the previous shift, such as broken equipment or procedure changes, as well as goals and priorities for your shift. There will likely be some time dedicated to safety as well, from reviewing basic protocols to inspecting the area for hazards.
Position-Specific Duties
The main part of your day will be spent doing tasks that are specific to your position. Some warehouses place people in the same role all day, while others rotate throughout the shift. Common warehouse positions include:
- Picker: Pulling items off shelves to fulfill orders. You’ll probably use a handheld device to map your route through the warehouse, as well as to confirm that you picked just the right item. You may also use equipment such as rolling ladders to reach items that are stored on upper shelves.
- Packer: Packaging items for shipment. This is often a fast-paced role that requires a lot of dexterity and attention to detail. You’ll need to choose the right shipping box and packing materials and print and attach the correct label to each package.
- Loader/Unloader: Unloading inventory from trucks and loading packaged good onto them. You’ll probably use some sort of handheld scanner to document each item.
- Receiver: Accepting inventory from unloaders and storing it in the warehouse. This is a complex role that requires you to check for damage, scan each item into the internal database, and ensure that all inventory is correctly shelved.
Many warehouses also have additional positions, such as returns worker and lift truck operator. Other facilities roll these duties into one of the positions detailed above.
Handoff Procedures
At the end of your shift, you’ll need to make sure that your workspace is ready for the next person. As a warehouse worker, this generally means cleaning and organizing. You’ll also need to let your supervisor know about any issues such as a malfunctioning machine. Depending on your facility, you may be required to complete a short shift report documenting anything unusual that happened during your shift.
Ready for a New Position?
If you’re ready to jumpstart your career, Pirate Staffing can help. Take a look at our open opportunities or simply submit your resume today!