Your first week at a new warehouse job sets the tone for everything. Whether you become a permanent hire, get better shifts, or find yourself looking for work again—it all depends on how you handle these crucial first days.
Standing out doesn’t require superhuman effort. It’s about mastering the basics that surprisingly few workers get right. Here’s your roadmap for starting strong in warehouse and logistics roles.
Before Your First Day: Set Yourself Up to Win
Preparation is half the battle. A little planning now can prevent problems that could derail your new job before it even begins.
Get Your Sleep Schedule Right
If you’re starting on an unusual shift, don’t wait until Sunday night to adjust. Start going to bed early three days before. Showing up exhausted signals you can’t handle the schedule. Adjusting to your work schedule shows that you’re prepared for the job and can adapt to different circumstances.
Plan Your Route
Drive or commute to the facility during your shift time before your first day—morning traffic differs from afternoon. Know where to park, which entrance to use, or which bus route is best to take. Add 15 minutes as a buffer. Being late on your first day is nearly impossible to recover from. So, make sure you know the details instead of being stuck in traffic.
Prepare What You’ll Need
Here are a few things you’ll need on the first day:
- Steel-toed boots
- Work clothes you can move in
- Water bottle and lunch
- Small notepad for training notes
First 3 Days: Make the Right First Impression
The first three days set the foundation for your future engagement. Every action during these first shifts matters. Research shows that first impressions during the initial days of work strongly influence how colleagues and supervisors perceive your reliability and overall fit, setting the tone for your long-term success.¹
1. Arrive early, not just on time.
Show up 15 minutes before your shift. Use this time to observe how things work. Early arrival shows eagerness without trying too hard.
2. Listen more than you talk.
Your first week is the perfect time to learn. Ask questions about work—not about breaks or early time-outs. Show interest in doing the job well. While it’s tempting to share personal stories, save them for later after you’ve proven yourself.
3. Master safety from the start.
Nothing marks you as a keeper faster than taking safety seriously:
- Wear PPE correctly without reminders.
- Follow every safety rule, even if others don’t.
- Ask about unclear procedures.
- Report hazards instead of working around them.
Read more: Key Safety Training for Temporary Workers
Thursday and Friday: Maintain Your Momentum
Days 4-5 are usually the last days of the week, when the initial excitement begins to fade. This is where you prove you’re not just another temporary face in the crowd.
1. Show Consistent Energy
The middle of the week reveals your true work ethic. Many people slack off once newness wears off. Maintain your pace even when supervisors aren’t watching. Employees who exhibit high energy levels also influence their teams, which leads to increased productivity and collaboration.² Enthusiasm is also linked to growth and is seen in high-performing organizations. So, if you want to impress your employer, be a positive influence in your organization.
2. Learn Names and Use Them
Remember your supervisor’s name and at least a few of your coworkers’ names. Using names, even as third person, shows respect and helps you integrate faster into the team. It might be confusing to remember everyone in your first week. However, being attentive shows that you value your coworkers in your new workplace—a trait managers look for.
3. Handle Feedback Like a Pro
Criticism is common in your first days—even weeks or months. When you’re corrected, respond with gratitude and appreciation. Accept feedback, even if it’s not constructive. As much as you can, avoid making excuses, blaming coworkers, or claiming unfamiliarity with equipment. Supervisors remember who takes feedback well—and it shows that you’re adaptable and committed to growth.
Read more: Want a Permanent Role? How to Turn a Temporary Job in Manufacturing into a Full-Time Position
Succeeding Beyond the Basics
When asked for overtime or help, try to volunteer—but only if you can deliver. Saying yes then performing poorly is worse than saying no. Succeeding in your first week at a new warehouse job comes down to reliability. Make sure to do these things:
- Avoid no-call, no-shows—always communicate
- Return from breaks on time
- Complete tasks without constant supervision
- Keep your work area organized
- Keep your phone away during work hours
- Stay neutral and positive as an employee
- Don’t skip steps; follow the procedures
Your First Week Success Checklist
To help you succeed in your new role, here’s a checklist with simple goals to accomplish by the end of the week:
- Be on time every day.
- Learn your primary job thoroughly.
- Make one positive coworker connection.
- Show consistent safety consciousness.
- Demonstrate independent work ability.
- Ask at least one performance improvement question.
Partner with Horizon America for ongoing success.
At Horizon America, we don’t just place you and disappear. We understand that starting a new job can be challenging, and we’re committed to helping you succeed every step of the way.
Our experienced team has helped workers across Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida, Texas, and beyond turn their first weeks into lasting careers. We know what employers are looking for, and we can share that knowledge with you. From pre-start preparation to ongoing support, we’re invested in your success because when you thrive, everyone wins.
Contact us for placement opportunities and professional guidance that help you stand out from Day One. Let’s turn your next job into your best career move.
References
- McCullough, Heath et al. “First impressions vs. The Peak-End Rule: Episodic evaluations in a service experience and the moderating effect of retrospective delay.” Science Direct, Dec. 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014829632400403X
- Rains, Julie. “4 Ways Energetic Employees Electrify The Workplace.” American Express, 1 Oct. 2024, https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/4-ways-energetic-employees-electrify-the-workplace/
