Are you starting work at an Amazon warehouse and feeling worried?
This job can feel quite physically demanding, especially if you’ve never worked at a warehouse before, so you’ll need to take care of yourself. However, getting a hang of the job is not as hard as it might seem.
If you turn these ten tips into habits, you’ll find success working at the Amazon warehouse. With a good mindset, you might even turn this into a career by getting promotions along the way.
Here’s what you need to know to get started!
1. Wear comfortable work shoes
Comfortable work shoes are essential to a warehouse worker. Like in most blue-collar jobs, you will be active and on your feet all day, so you don’t want anything to pinch or rub against your skin. Quality shoes provide traction and support.
You’ll also want something that has a light steel toe or composite toe. That way, you won’t get hurt if something falls on you.
Also, lightweight steel or composite won’t slow you down on the warehouse floor.
One of the most popular options for warehouse footwear is Zappos shoes. The company makes sneakers with light steel and plenty of traction, perfect for anyone working at Amazon. Plus, you can also use the “Zappos at Work” program. This program offers Amazon employees a $110 credit towards buying work shoes!
Lastly, consider getting a good set of compression socks for work. They reduce swelling in the legs, which keeps you comfortable when you’re on your feet all day.
2. Eat healthy – bring lunch & water
Since this is a very physical job, you’ll need to make sure that you bring a healthy lunch and a bottle of water with you. You’ll feel stronger and more energized during the day – and you’ll need that energy!
Snacks or fast food are quick, but they’re not healthy. Plus, you’ll end up spending a lot more money in the long term.
Lastly, water is essential while working on the warehouse floor. You need to keep yourself hydrated so as not to feel drained of your energy. Bringing a reusable bottle with you is the best option.
3. Get enough sleep
Next, you need to make sure you get enough sleep. If you’re tired, you’ll have trouble staying focused at work. You don’t want to make any dangerous mistakes while moving heavy objects.
The National Sleep Foundation says that adults require at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Not sleeping enough can cause harm to your body, which may be more noticeable when you work a physical job.
For example, sleep deprivation can lead to heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also cause emotional harm through depression and anxiety.
4. Use your paycheck wisely
Amazon warehouse workers can make good money. However, you’ll want to make sure you don’t spend your entire paycheck at once.
You will even earn more if you work during peak seasons.
By spending your paycheck on necessities and saving as much as possible, you’ll get ahead. This job is very demanding of your mind and body, so you’ll become frustrated if you waste your paychecks.
Money is a huge factor in creating stress, so make sure to develop a weekly budget that you can easily stick to.
Plus, you might want to set aside money for when you need to switch jobs.
5. There are great opportunities for promotion!
Next, you want to be on the lookout for promotion opportunities. You’ll need to learn all of the Amazon guidelines and follow them as closely as possible. At a higher position, you can earn more.
You can start by tackling the projects that no one else wants to do. Your superiors are sure to take note of this.
You can advance your education using the Amazon Career Choice program. With your newly acquired skills, you can apply for higher-paying positions within the company.
6. Get free education through the Amazon Career Choice Program
The Amazon Career Choice program is something you might want to use. There are hundreds of schools and colleges that Amazon offers tuition for you to attend.
The company also helps you build skills to meet requirements for higher positions through its Upskilling programs.
If you decide that Amazon work isn’t for you, you can still take the free training and education and use it to get a new job!
7. Patience – you will get used to the work
Amazon warehouse work is hard. The job requires you to move heavy objects and can be draining. However, your body will become stronger with time.
After a few months of working in the warehouse, you’ll notice your strength drastically increase.
The most important thing is to go to work every day. It can be tempting to skip shifts, but you won’t get used to it as quickly that way. Our bodies are very adaptable, but you still need time to make the changes.
8. Stretch before and after work
Since warehouse work is straining on the body, you’ll need to always stretch before and after your shift! Otherwise, you’ll feel stiff and sore and have a higher risk of tearing a muscle. This YouTube video demonstrates several stretches you might want to use:
9. Always use proper lifting techniques
You should know how to lift heavy boxes without straining yourself. Back injuries are common in warehouses.
Always bend at the knees, then lift it by using your legs. Do this in reverse to lower the object back to the floor.
This YouTube video shows you how to lift objects safely:
10. Be early and be ready
Finally, arrive early to give yourself enough time to get ready. You can stretch, test out your equipment, get a decent station and ensure that everything works correctly.
Plus, you can have a quick snack if you need to. Arriving early helps you avoid stress, so you don’t make mistakes.
